CLL and Problems with Teeth and Gums

[Dodger47]

It has been a while since I posted anything as I have been going through some major dental issues, but I wanted to post this so that others might have a chance to hear of my experience.

In 2020 my CLL became active and I developed Hemolytic anemia. The Hemolytic Anemia was serious (in the hospital for 9 days). I was treated with Rituxan and Prednisone (I want to note straight up that I am not a CLL expert but very much appreciate those on this site who are). 6 treatments and I went into remission. Just now I am seeing an increase in WBC though not yet doubling. Throughout all of this an issue for me has been a low platelet count. My platelet count afer treatment went back up to around 120. Now it has dropped to 56. Many blood tests have been run but the root of the low platelet count has not been discovered.

In the interim (last 3 years) I have developed significant problems with my teeth and gums. I did not have the best of teeth before (fillings and couple of bridges) but after seeing a specialist found that my gums were inflamed, and teeth much worse. (I wonder if some of that could be attributed to CLL.) My most important reason for sharing this is to share my experience regarding my dental issues. They required major extractions and dental work (surgery). I did this in consult with my CLL specialist and, even though my platelet count was so low, everything went very well. I am not finished and am waiting for complete healing (bone grafts involved) and then will have implants and a finished product. Sorry for the length of this post, but just wanted others to know that even with CLL, major dental work can be done successfully with no infection nor other threatening issues. I wish everyone well and am thankful for this site and group.

[country76]

Hi Dodger 47 I am a Giants fan, if that is what Dodger means, however, will still respond lol 😬. I have been having teeth issues also. Not so gum issues, however, had to have some crowns replaced. Also, I have broken 3 bridges, the last one very strong. The dentist is reimbursing me for the bridge. I was thinking it was from being hyperthyroid, which can cause brittle bones, or the radiation or Alacabrutinib giving me a dry mouth which can cause decay. I must have drank a lot of milk when I was younger because I do have very dense bones.

One of the supporting teeth literally severed underneath making me feel my teeth are more brittle. I do grind y teeth and wear a night guard. Needless to say, I had to have that tooth removed as well as another one that had some decay under a crown. I had no infection however my face was swollen after the surgery which had never happened before. So now I am faced with implants!! I had the base put in and waiting for a consult for the posts. I asked him if he could put enough posts in for crowns and not another bridge. He isn't sure if enough space. I have to have a CT, the next stress I am phobic about. The Oral Surgeon is worried about infection and so am I. Your mouth is pretty close to your brain and heart.

I will be on pins and needles until this is over with. Of course, it is during the holidays. In the meanwhile, I have a guarded smile. Normally I have a big smile and am very friendly. The bridge involved two bicuspids and a second molar.

I am wishing you smooth sailing and rapid recovery.

[Dodger47 in reply to country76]

Thanks for your encouraging words to this Dodger fan. 😎 Sounds like you and I have somewhat similar experiences. I am right there with you regarding dental phobia. I have yet to have a pleasant encounter and too often things don't go as planned. I was concerned about infection too, but the dentist put me on an antibiotic, which seems to have done its job. I had significant decay under crowns. The specialist (implantologist) I go to said that years ago when I had crowns put on they were not done correctly (by today's standards) and that is why they failed. I am waiting for healing to put in the base, then posts, then teeth. UGH. I think you will like the implants once finished.

I wish you a smooth scan experience and great progress and success in this journey into the oral frontier.

[country76 in reply to Dodger47]

Lol, thanks. It sounds like we will be getting our implants about the same time.

[LeoPa]

Apart from expensive all this must have been pretty painful too. I think I'll just get a denture if I live long enough 🤞 to need one 😁

[Hidden]

Hello Dodger47

You have been through a heck of a lot~ I wish you well! I really appreciate your post because my husband has cll & platelets trending down (117) and he is avoiding dentist.

Your post was very helpful & priceless at this time~

Thank you and take great care!

Cookie

[Dodger47 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the kind words. I think platelet count over 100, though low does not often create problems. I wish your husband well. This CLL journey seems to always try to throw us curves.

[ChattahoocheeBoy]

thank you for writing….dental procedures are always a concern for infection for me!