Zometa and Root Canals/Extractions

[nicky08]

Hi

Whilst on ibandronate ie tablet form bisphosphonate I have had both a tooth extraction (about 5 or so years ago) and root canal work (about 3 years ago). The extraction was done at the orthodontist at my local hospital after a referral from oncology and the root canal at my local dentist. No problems with either but I could have just got lucky as the orthodontist reckons this is a 'ticking time bomb' in his words as so many people are now on bisphosphonates. Also I am now on denosumab which is a different type of bone strengthener and I think might cause more problems as the manufacture is being very thorough with the oncology wards advising patients to get help at the first sign of any problems

Nicky x

[Mackers]

Thanks, I feel a bit more confident now, as I at least can do some investigating.  I will look into an endodontist, I would feel more comfortable a specialist in that particular area treating me. Let's hope my tooth calms down.. Thanks again xxx

[Tournesol]

I was very nervous of having the root canal done but the alternative was extraction which appeared to me to have more chance of causing problems. But I don't think all professionals agree, and some don't seem to realise that we are on a higher dose of bisphosphonates than people taking it for osteoporosis etc

[Tournesol]

My dentist is aware of bisphosphonates posing a risk and advised me to get the root canal done by an endodontist, to increase the odds of success (which I did). Both dentist and endodontist advised getting any extraction done by a hospital specialist. My onc said best to take antibiotics for a period after the procedure (2 weeks I think) to reduce the chance of infection.

[Mackers]

Thanks very much for your reply.  Sorry to hear you have had same problems.

what did your dentist think or advise?mine seems happy enough to give me treatment, my oncologist not so much?

xxx

[Tournesol]

Hi Mackers, I'm not on Zometa but did have a root canal done last year after 4.5 years on Ibandronate, another bisphosphonate. I did come off it for 2-3 months beforehand (not on my oncologist's advice, just to make myself feel better, and also didn't take it for a month afterwards. Also took some time off it about 3 months after that, because I thought I would need another root canal, but haven't yet. So not sure if that helps at all...but hope you get something sorted; we don't need toothache too as you say!

[Mackers]

Hi,

I have been on zometa Herceptin and tamoxifen for 5 years now. I am having trouble with my tooth and my dentist and I are trying everything to avoid invasive treatment. Are there any ladies who have had dental work carried out while on zometa? I don't usually worry about things too much, but this situation is beginning to stress me; stage 4 cancer is bad enough, but tooth ache for life as well .. Please..?!?! I would put lol, but it's not funny!! Lol...Any advice greatly received.. Thanks xxxx