I’ve read in the forums that any dental work needed should be done before chemo starts, is this right?
I have MAJOR dentist phobia; I have a condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome which means I am resistant to local anaesthetic…it took a long time for diagnosis (20+ years) and during that time whenever I told a dentist I could feel what he was doing I just got told ‘no you can’t’. I’ve had extractions, fillings and root canals and been able to feel it all…as a results I can’t face a dentist at all, I find it more terror provoking than the thought of chemo. I know I have two teeth that need work and I am panicking that chemo will be delayed until theyre sorted - Im not even registered with a dentist!
Could teeth problems be a risk during chemo? I’m stressing myself to bits in case one of my teeth gets an infection when Im undergoing treatment and causes sepsis or something
Yes i wpuld try have a dental appt if you can manage it …its the infection risk if you need invadove treatment…so better to get done before…also if you having biphosphonates ( zolendronic ) after chemo then its very very important due to the risk of jaw necrosis
I’m about to start chemo too and I had a quick check up last week. Nothing needs doing but i thought I’d check. I think you should tell dentist about your worries and past experiences. There are many gentle treatments for all sorts of dental issues now. If you get an infection during chemo, it can be serious. A check up could at least point out if this is a risk for you and the dentist might have some tips to prevent a problem happening. I know you will be scared, but if you don’t check before chemo, you might end up needing dental treatment during chemo. I hope you find a dentist you can trust and who will help you x
I think most of us got told to get our teeth checked pre chemo, do check with your team and follow their guidance , also explain how terrified you are of the dentist they might be able to prescribe you something to help with your anxiety to help there so much to deal with just take everything one step at a time and day by day and reward yourself each time you overcome something that you were terrified of you are stronger than you think you are Shi xx
It sounds like a really difficult time, and it is understandable that you feel scared.
As @Shi and @cat15 say, it’s advisable to see your dentist for a dental check-up before chemotherapy begins and to avoid dental treatment during chemotherapy if possible. This is due the risk of infection during chemotherapy treatment.
Many people do have fears about visiting the dentist especially if they have had a bad experience as you say you’ve had. Do speak with your treatment team about how terrified you feel. They may be able to support you with finding a dentist and managing your anxiety and emotions.
Some dentists specialise in caring for people with dental phobia and as @bluesatsuma says can help you to undergo any check-ups or treatment as gently as possible. You can discuss your condition of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and how this affects you, to help manage and support you with dental treatment and chemotherapy in the future.
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I think most of us got told to get our teeth checked pre chemo, do check with your team and follow their guidance , also explain how terrified you are of the dentist they might be able to prescribe you something to help with your anxiety to help 
