If this is the wrong category, mods feel free to move it, but couldn’t think where else to put it.
One of the crowns on my teeth has come off, and I need to go to the dentist to have it re-attached. My question is, do I need antibiotics before I have it done, due to lymph node removal?
Any advice gratefully received!
Hi LynB
I’m no expert but part of my tooth broke whilst on chemo and my dentist was very loathe to do any work. She patched me up - and said she was glad my teeth looked ok.
She did say that after radiotherapy there can be even more problems getting dental work done - lets hope my teeth hold out ok.
Check carefully with your dentist and make sure they know your medical history. i have a friend who is a dental nurse and she has said that it’s so easy to pick up an infection at the best of times so tread carefully.
You’ll probably get lots of good advice here so good luck.
MuddyXX
Hi LynB
You should definitely check with your doctor/consultant however I was told that it was when I was on chemo that I should try to avoid having any dental work done as your immune system is lower. I’ve had my lymph nodes removed and I only need to be careful with the arm on the side that the lymph nodes were taken from not any other area.
Ruby xx
Hi LynB1
If you would like further information with regard to your question please call our helpline where you will be able to talk confidentially with a trained nurse. The number to call is free phone 0808 800 6000 and the line will be open tomorrow from 9am to 2pm and will re-open again on 2 January 2008
I hope you find this helpful
Kind regards
Sam
BCC facilitator
Hi Lynne
I went to the dentist last week for a check up and scale and polish having recently finished all the chemo and rads- it was bliss to feel I had really clean shiney teeth. Anyway basically the dentist said she would not do teeth when anyone is on chemo or rads. She would not do an x-ray this check up as she wanted to give my body a rest from being nuked. As Ruby said the lymph nodes are not an issue once all the other stuff is out of way - it is only with regards to having needles etc stuck into that particular arm.
That said if in doubt I would phone the help line to double check - better safe than sorry!!
Good luck with it all love Swanie
The dentist could not reattach the crown, so made a temporary repair. Apparently, I need lots of work done, now I’m really scared. Will I be able to have it done? Any advice?
Hi LynB1
hope you don’t mind me joining. I finished my chemo in September, and radiotherapy in October when I had a problem with my teeth, I had an infection in 1 tooth on the bottom which in ture infected 2 either side of it. I had antibiotics and then a root filing. My dentist knew my history, I have a loose crown which is hanging on (it became loose Aug 06) which he hasn’t done anything with yet, he said he wouldn’t touch my teeth unless it was urgent when I was having chemo, I think there is an issue with infection and possibly if you were having steroids something to do with blood clotting.
I’ve had lymph nodes removed as well, Breastcancercare have a booklet on Lymphoedema if that is what you are concerned with. We have lymph nodes all over our body and several places where the liquid is collected, I have Lyphoedema, but I had it before my dental treatment, and it is just my arm and hand. The Lymphoedema Nurses are going to do some lymph massage so that they can try and kick start the other side of my body into dealing with the fluid made on the affected side. We don’t stop making lymph liquid, just some people (me for one) have trouble getting rid of the liquid afterward. Sorry I can’t remember any more, I hate going for treatment so I’m a little vague on what my dentist said back in January.
hope it helps a little.
Sue
Hello Lyn
I broke a tooth while I was on chemo. I told the dentist about the chemo and he was very reluctant to anything invasive because of the risk of infection. He just did a temporary filling and I waited until after chemo was finished to have a permanent filling done.
The lymph node removal affects only your arm and hand as far as I am aware - I mean we need to be careful with that arm and hand and cover up even small cuts to prevent infections getting into the body that way.
Take care
Anthi x
Hi Everyone - As a former lymphoedema nurse can I just confirm what has been said above. The lymph nodes that have been removed only have an affect on the arm on that side of the body - hence the need to take extra care with skin care to prevent infection in the arm. What happens to compensate is that, like when a river is dammed, lots of tiny little lymph channels open up that bridge the area where the lymph nodes were removed and the lymph returns to the circulation via the other lymph nodes, there are lots in the neck, other axilla, groins etc. This can be encouraged with simple lymph drainage massage and exercise, and lots of people don’t get any problems with swelling even if they have had their lymph nodes removed. There is NO general effect from having the lymph nodes under one (or even both) arm removed. Having said that, the considerations about dentistry when having chemo and radiotherapy are something I know nothing about and there is good advice above about that. Good luck everyone! Sarah x