Dental work on prednisone

[Cobalt2sister]

hi folks. Still waiting on rheumy appt next month as my Neuro ophthalmologist thinking possible GCA with negative biopsy. ( retinal specialist appt Tuesday coming) BUT just cracked a tooth w ill try to get appt in urgent care at dental clinic but does anyone know about having that done while on prednisone? Do you change dose? I've been on 60 one week down from 80. Any advice helpful. Thanks. Hope you all have good day. 3:30 am here in US...yet another sleepless night!!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,Another day, another problem …oh dear!

Shouldn’t need to change dose, just let dentist know you’re on Pred. But they aren’t usually concerned too much unless you are on a bisphosphonate (bone density drug) like Alendronic Acid or similar for osteoporosis.

Good luck

[Cobalt2sister in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you, DorsetLady!

[Uglow]

I recently had 3 extractions 2 fillings and denture fitted all in on sitting under sedation no problems. Sedation was coz I’m a scary cat 🐯

[Cobalt2sister in reply to Uglow]

Thanks for responding. Glad you had no problems but sorry you had to go through all that. Whew! Tell me, do you think prednisone causes problems with teeth ( the way it can bones) or is that unrelated? Hope your day is good.

[Uglow in reply to Cobalt2sister]

Tbh yes I have osteoporosis too now. 3 vertebrae fractures awful back pain. Pmr is not well understood and steroids are a saver but also come with lots of problems too. I feel like I never know what’s next. I have currently refused Aledronic Acid I can’t bear more troubles. I’m seeing rheumatologist next week for alternative. I have improved my diet and take supplements hoping this helps with bone health. Don’t over worry about dental work. I’m sure that will be fine. X

[Cobalt2sister in reply to Uglow]

Good luck with rheumy next week. Hope you can find good help, medicine, that works for you. I have bone scan in 2 weeks. Have osteopena before started on prednisone so hope it hasn't worsened. You.r reassurance about procedure has helped me. Won't stress it now! Thanks.

[Exflex]

I’ve cracked two molar teeth in the past, both were glues and crowned.Now I have a root canal infection in another tooth (different tooth that was crowned 30 years ago - my most rear molar #1) and rather than extraction I’ve elected for further root canal surgery at a cost of £600! It’s specialist work, not normal run of the mill dentistry. I’m taking Risedronate 35mg on a weekly basis (another confection of the biphosphonate family) thus I’m trying to avoid an extraction that would cost £60.

[Cobalt2sister]

Wow. Scary stuff. So sorry. How long have people been on steroids before these tooth problems begin? It seems soon for me. I've only been on them 3 weeks (80 then 60) so I worry more to come as I taper! Unfortunately there's no way I can afford root canal and the like now. Would have to go extraction. I'll let u know how I make out at dentist monday. Thanks for sharing.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Cobalt2sister]

Depends on the person - I've been on pred for nearly 13 years and don't have dental problems other than things that were possibly to be expected. I needed a root treatment and he put in a ceramic inlay a few years ago, I had to replace a 50 year old gold filling recently - also done with a ceramic inlay. Both were due to baterial infects under old fillings.

Most dental problems with pred are probably due to peridontal problems or bisphosphonates. Scrupulous dental hygiene is essential.

[nallufl24]

I had broken a tooth and had it fixed with no problems on prednisone. Have no idea if it was prednisone related or not as I never broke a tooth before