I had er+ her2- bc a few months ago. I’m on Tamoxifen and due to have radiotherapy soon. I’m starting prostap injections next week for ovarian suppression so tamoxifen can be changed to letrozole. The plan is to have oral bisphosphonates in a couple of months to further reduce the risk of recurrence. In preparation for this, I was advised to have a dental check up.
Well I saw my dentist yesterday (new dentist because I moved house) and she was basically looking for anything that could cause future problems because of risk of onj if I needed an extraction while on the treatment. One tooth is the most likely to cause trouble and I’m going to see a specialist about it because it may need the root canal work redone or be extracted. Two other teeth could become infected in future because of large fillings so she said to consider extraction. There’s also a crown that needs replacing. None of the work would be advised if I wasn’t planning bisphosphonates.
I feel that losing my teeth is just a step too far. I’m really upset that not only has bc taken part of a breast, is about to plunge me into menopause (and my ovaries might need to be removed), but now I need to have teeth removed as well. Oh and I can’t register with an NHS dentist so it’s going to cost over £1000. More if I have the root canal work redone, which I’m not sure I can afford.
Has anyone else had to choose between their teeth and bisphosphonates?
Hi @flower52,
I am sorry you haven’t had a response to your question. I am sorry to hear what you’re going through, it sounds like a tough decision.
I am sure someone will be able to share their experience with you. In the meantime please know that our nurses are here for you any time, here on the forum on the Ask our Nurses your questions or over the phone 0808 800 6000.
Sending our love,
Alice 
I have gone in to a lot of detail on this situation on the previous bisphosphonates thread.
Briefly, it is imperative you get your teeth fixed before you have this treatment. I have always had dodgy teeth which I have spent much time and even more money on over the years. When bisphosphonate was mooted my dentist went through everything and I had a couple of root canals which in other circumstances could have waited. The potential problem is that so many dentists will no longer touch patients who have had bisphosphonates in the last ten years because their insurance won’t cover them. If dental trouble flares up you are in a real bind because treatment becomes a problem with the inherent risk of crumbling jaw (might be necrosis, not sure). So, if you are going for this treatment, my advice is to do everything possible to get your mouth in the best possible condition.
I had a bad reaction to bisphosphonates and abandoned them after the first infusion. I should say this is rare, but I found it worse than chemo. Additionally, from my point of view the minimal level of protection this treatment supposedly offered for me didn’t equate with the loss of quality of life.
Sorry you find yourself in this position. I’ve been on zoledronic acid since June 2020. Has all been ok but you really do have to have all dental work done before you start. I’m sorry this might not be what you wanted to hear.
I hope you find a way forward.