Dental opinion for Zometa

[Rodeoz15]

Hi everyone, I understand that a dental opinion is needed when taking Zometa because osteronoposis of the jaw is a side effect.

What I wanted to know was what does a dentist look for when examining a patient. Is it possible dental work which might be needed as it is not advisable to get dental work done while on Zometa, or do they also look for anything else like exposed bones in the jaw? What I wanted to know (and which I couldnt find on Google) was what is it in the jaw that makes a person high risk for osteoporosis

Thank you in advance

[pjoshea13]

My understanding is that the dentist is simply looking at the probability that an invasive procedure will be required in the near future. (Excluding fillings, & cleanings.)

If so, the best option might be to take care of any remedial work, wait at least 3 months after recovery before repeating the dental checkup & starting Zometa.

{As I was writing, it occurred to me that we have at least one actual dentist in the group. Hopefully you will get an official opinion.}

-Patrick

[pjoshea13 in reply to pjoshea13]

For anyone interested in the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw & Zometa, here are the 113 PubMed hits for <prostate zometa osteonecrosis jaw>:

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?te...

Here is a shorter selection (5 hits), based on <prostate[title] zoledronic[title] osteonecrosis[title] jaw>

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?te...

[Rodeoz15 in reply to pjoshea13]

Thank you. This was helpful.

[tango65]

They should look for infections, or lesions which could lead to infections and teeth extractions or dental surgery procedures.

[dockam]

Hey, I'm one of the dentists in this HU forum. A dental screening with xrays would involve making sure that the remaining teeth don't need to be extracted, that any previously root canaled teeth aren't reabcessed, that existing removable appliances e.g. full dentures, partial dentures are well fitting and don't cause sore spots on the ridge.Any questionable teeth should be extracted prior to any osteoporosis meds.

My best to you

[Rodeoz15 in reply to dockam]

Thanks a lot!!

[j-o-h-n in reply to dockam]

You're a God sent........... thank you!!!

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Tuesday 02/01/2022 7:26 PM EST -Lunar New Year: The Year of the Tiger

[Foldem]

Kaiser sent me to an orthodontist to get fitted for a “stent”. Basically it’s a fitted piece on your lower teeth to protect your jaw while you sleep, aiui. I like it a lot