I have had one dose of Zometa (zoledronic acid) and have now got to have a tooth out (due to it cracking and already have had root canal treatment). I am 67 and I am concerned that as I am getting older my teeth are going to need more treatment. Do I continue with the Zometa treatment and risk trouble if I have to have more teeth out in the near future or do I not have any more treatment? It has taken me 9 months to get this tooth referred and an appointment to get it removed. Luckily I am not in pain this time.
I have asked my oncologist and she has said by having the treatment for 3 - 5 years it increases my protection by 3.3%.
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Welcome to the forum. I have had 2 Zometa’s so far and was told to call my team if I needed invasive treatment such as root canal or tooth out. They said to have the treatment at least 6 weeks either side of an infusion and ask for prophylactic antibiotics (to be taken before the treatment to help prevent infection. I was told if I follow the above I am hopefully preventing any problems.
The bone infusion are to help prevent osteoporosis and I was told to have it as part of my treatment plan, I think the % is on the low side for me but I have family history so will continue. I’m 55 and do lots of weight bearing so I hope it helps, I wasn’t offered a dexa scan to get a baseline as my health board won’t fund it. They said I was having the treatment so I didn’t need a scan.
Could you ask for a Dexa scan to see what your bone density is and that may influence your decision?
As you have already talked to your oncologist, maybe it would be good to chat with a BCN nurse on 0808 800 6000 to get more information.
I understand your frustration with trying to get treatment, I am lucky to still have an NHS dentist and a large filling fell out two weeks before my last infusion. They told me to buy temporary filling and booked to see me in February 2025. The temporary filling fell out every 2/3 days so after 4 weeks I called as I asked for an emergency appointment, they got me in that day! Had a temporary filling and it’s not moved since. Still have to go back in February for it to be properly repaired. I wish all cancer patients who have issues with bones had guaranteed fast access to NHS dentist, hearing hoping.
Let us know what you decide to do.
