Dental treatment

[HevJ]

Today I have started on Benepali. The nurse went through all the risks and what to be aware of. She then mentioned dental treatment and one of the issues was root canal.

I am due to have a new bridge started on Saturday which involves one root canal. She felt I should still start today but ask my rheumy nurse advice. I don’t see it as a wound and it’s for precaution. Has anyone carried on taking Benepali while having root treatment??

[dwsurquhart]

The reason they tell you this is because of all the bacteria in your mouth. If there is a problem with the root canal the bacteria can wind up in your blood stream and then you have a larger issue.

I would ask to speak to the Rheumatologist and get their opinion. They are way more knowledgeable than the rheumy nurse. They will be able to set the record straight and also speak to your dentist and inform them about what drugs you are on what the complications will most likely be. I went through this when I started on Anakinra and needed dental work.

[phil_54]

Hi HevJ, I started on benapali 4 weeks ago and just before Christmas i had an absess in a back tooth which i got antibiotics for this meant i had to stop injections for a week so when i went to the dentist she gave me the option to have either a root canal filling or take the tooth out and obviously i had to consider carefully because of the medication in the end i had the tooth out so as to ensure this problem didnt re-occour as long as the dentist is fully aware of all your meds and your happy to go ahead with the treatment you should be fine, chance are if you have only just started injections it may well not be in your system yet.

Good luck with the dentist hope it all goes ok

[Kell46]

Hi,I also was due to start benepali,but due to root canal X 2 couldn't start,then following untold infections still haven't! Now due to start next week..I found r a nurse much more knowledgeable then heatlh care to home..they just scared me lol

[Paula-C]

I’m positive I was told that if your having any invasive dental treatment i.e. root canal or extractions you have to stop your anti tnf. I’m on enbrel which benepali is a bio similar of. Your best to phone your nurse and ask them.

[HevJ]

Thank you folks.

I contacted my RA nurse (everything has to go through them before the consultant) and she said -

It is advisable to refrain from the injection till after the Dental treatment as it could impair wound healing. If there is minimal work done, no stitches or open wound, and you are not on Antibiotics, you can then restart the Benepali.

So does that mean As I am having the treatment on Saturday I miss Wednesday dose and is all ok I start back the following week?? I have emailed in to clarify this, however being short staffed can take a day or two (or three) for a rely!

I have had root fillings in the past and have to say they’ve never been an issue. I think this with the meds surprised me...

[phil_54 in reply to HevJ]

Hi HevJ, I would have the dental treatment and then just see how you feel after that theres only you knows your body and how your feeling the only thing i can add is the fact that the benapali works similar to MTX and can take up to 12 weeks to start working so time for your teeth to heal in the meantime,

Good luck

[HevJ in reply to phil_54]

Thanks Phil_54

If I am honest I was really taken aback by the nurse of Wednesday. I thought I had done my reading around (even the pack that came with the meds) the subject. It hits you that th we meds are not so straight forward! I’ve been on methotrexate for 5 years and can remember feeling overwhelmed at the beginning- over the years it became part n parcel of life!

I will start treatment tomorrow and discuss with my dentist. See how it goes then make the decision on how I get on 😁

[phil_54 in reply to HevJ]

Sounds like a plan, you are quite right after so long the meds become a major part of our lifes and its only then that we realise what an important part they play in giving us back some normality and quality of life.

I wish you all the luck in the world

[HevJ in reply to phil_54]

Thank you 😊