I’m in a bit of a quandary. My January 27th chemo has been postponed until February 10th. My rear molar has infection and needs root canal retreatment. However, I can’t be examined by endodontist until February 6th. Not sure when treatment would be. I could have the tooth pulled next week. But then I would need an implant and a new bridge at some point. I hate losing the tooth. But I’ll be 72 soon and I’m coming up on three years post-debulking. I’m leaning toward just yanking that bad penny out and getting on with chemo. I’d appreciate any opinions. Thanks, ladies.
Sashay
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Sashay2020
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Sometimes, I just feel so indecisive. Always trying to make the right decision. But sometimes I guess we just have to make the best decision we can at the time. Thanks, Doglover!
it’s easy to advise others just not myself. I’m due chemo next Friday, hubby is away skiing and I’m trying to delay by a week. Why? Because I don’t know what to do with the dogs for all that time!! xx
update on the dogs….lovely lady called yesterday and she has moved my chemo to earlier in the day. So the decorator can double up as dog sitter for me on Friday! Now just to get the oncologist appt sorted for Wednesday!
Well, I’m glad to hear your precious pooch is sorted. 🙂 I’m going to call my dentist early Monday morning to see if he can help me get treated this week. 🤞🏽
Hi Sashay. I’d have it pulled, partly because I have had a couple of root canals redone and ended up losing those teeth in the end. It seems like chemo should take priority now. Good luck with it. Xx
This would be the second root canal on this tooth, Delia. So your comments regarding your experience with root canal retreatment is much appreciated. Thank you!
I used to love may naturally nice teeth. BUT . i need about 4 implants which i can not afford or dentures . Before first recurrence i was so optimistic thinking yeah am gona do it all! Now am just only keen on hystynist cleaning and pulling if needed. .Thanx God its doesn't hurt anywhere and gap is on the back so far 😁....Am not one to advice just to support yr anguish and wish you well xxx We have wisdom in Russia which translate something like ...no time for beauty , better be alive! ....
Could you appeal to the endodontist to get that appointment brought forward or use another one. Either way you will need that infection treated so that's the first priority. Rear extractions can be more complicated as they have two roots. It's possible they may be able to save the tooth with root canal treatment and that would be less traumatic than an extraction and not impact your eating ability in the medium to long term. At least if you have the initial examination they will let you know if preserving the tooth is feasible or not and if an implant would be possible (they will do a scan to check). I've been in the same position and appealed to the clinic to bring appoinent forward otherwise it would delay cancer care. They did bring it forward. Good luck.x
I would stick to the schedule. After my last chemo I went to the dentist the following month and he took out my 3 back teeth. I think you need to get chemo over and start recovering. I was devastated about the teeth but compared to chemo it was nothing. Hope it goes well but I would get chemo over ASAP. Best wishes
sorry another thing .. I was told by the oncologist I should only go to the dentist if I was in real pain. Dental treatment can release bacteria into your bloodstream and chemo affects your white cells which is why they recommend avoiding the dentist during chemo. I also had to get a blood test and approval from the oncologist before the dentist did the extractions. This was 6 weeks after finishing chemo.
yes. I had managed over the last two to avoid dental visits while on chemo. I’m on third line chemo and I knew the painful infection would spread if I was not put on antibiotic ASAP by dentist.
I just had my root canal done 7 weeks post finishing chemo and with a blood test. I had terrible tooth ache after my 2nd chemo and they managed to drain the infection and treat with antibiotics. I completed the course of antibiotics and finished it the day before the next chemo. I talked to my nurse and this was all approved. This is what worked for me but I know we’re all different. Tooth pain is horrible especially when you already don’t feel great. I managed to get an emergency appointment.
I had a tooth extracted during chemo. My oncologist said it was important to deal with the infection because infections in teeth can be extremely dangerous. I just live with the gap, 16 years later.
I am not willing to get a dental implant because I heal so slowly these days, and they are ungodly expensive. Thanks for letting me know that you have managed without tooth reconstruction.
My dear Sashay ld personally save your tooth if you can and your certainly not old. Unless its causing you a great deal of pain. A new implant and a bridge is a lot to go through if tooth can be saved really isnt it. See what the dentist says first and good luck love SheilaFxxx
It would be great to save the tooth because it’s a work horse when it comes to chewing. It is the last tooth in the rear, so vanity is not an issue. I was trying to stay away from chemo in hopes of getting in a clinical trial, but my oncologist was concerned that if I did not start chemo again soon, the OC would have weakened me to the point where I would not qualify for the study. He also expressed concern that the OC would have grown so much that I might not be able to be treated. I get chemo every other week. As it stands, I will have been off chemo for a month on February 10th. That means the tooth must be addressed next week. I’m afraid I’ve just run out of time on this one. Thanks for responding, Sheila. I appreciate your take on my situation
Hi Sashay , It maybe worth checking to see if the hospital has a dental dept. You can access. When my husband was having chemo his oncologist arranged treatment in house . She was then consulted if necessary . He did fine .
I have the same oncologist and she has me premedicate before any cleanings . I had two crowns replaced recently with no problems .my dentist has a list of everything I am on .
Bless you Sashay l know your incredibly brave. And sounds like there may just be an alternative for you. Really hope so. That's what l like about this forum there's always helpful advice or someone thats been through the same. Good luck with whatever you decide my love & hugs SheilaFxxx
I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. Tooth pain is awful. Have you asked your oncologist what he/she recommends? I'll be thinking about you. Blessings to you and your family. --Lani
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Tooth extraction 
Stage 4 no more treatment options 
