predi

[deeperpurple]

why cant you have dentist treatment while on pred isnt there a lower level like say 5 % where its safer

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

There isn’t an issue with Pred as such , but there can be with Alendronic Acid -if you on that. Are you?

[deeperpurple in reply to DorsetLady]

no just pred atm

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to deeperpurple]

Okay Shouldn’t be an issue then.

[Kendrew]

Hi there,

Others will correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure it's ok to have regular dental check ups & treatment when on prednisolone.

What's not necessarily advised is to have any kind of tooth extraction whilst on prednisolone.... particularly when on higher doses.

This is because the risk of developing an infection in the extraction site may be significantly increased whilst taking steroids.

I go for regular six monthly checkups, and always have a session with the dental hygienist first before my actual dental inspection.

I've never had an issue or problem, but my dentist & hygienist are fully up to speed on both my condition and my medications.

In fact coincidentally, I've been today!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Kendrew]

I have had extractions while on pred - I think you are thinking of bisphosphonates. You may bleed a bit more when on pred and abx may be advisable if there is any risk of infection but pred doesn't really pose a problem for most people, It is also fine to have ordinary dental care when on bisphosphonates and strict dental hygiene is essential but invasive dental treatment such as extractions or implants are another matter.

[Kendrew in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks Pro,Yes....I think I was confusing pred with biphosphonates and extractions.

Haha! To be honest I'd rather not be thinking about anything to do with teeth, fillings, drilling or extractions.

Visiting the dentist??....definitely not my favourite pastime!

[Doraflora in reply to Kendrew]

nor me, Kendrew. I hate going!

I always butt in & tell the dentist I’m on Pred and AA immediately so they’re well aware…..

[Kendrew in reply to Doraflora]

I'm very fortunate to have had the same hygienist and dentist over past 4yrs, so they both recognise and understand the potential problems regarding my condition and meds.

You're wise to mention that information to your dentist though, as it's very important.

[Bluey-1]

I have had regular dental and hygienist checks even on high doses of Prednisolone. We discuss the state of play re my GCA. Dentist is very aware of it.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

No problem with pred at all. Are you thinking of bisphosphonates?

[deeperpurple in reply to PMRpro]

this came about a year ago when I needed some teeth out but now I am waiting again untill my new dentist as spoken to my doctor which that can take a while but hopefully it will be resolved

[deeperpurple in reply to deeperpurple]

i only take pred at 5mg daily now

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to deeperpurple]

Well I had teeth out while on 15-20mg/day and had no problem.

[MDT1 in reply to PMRpro]

also had a lot of treatment while on preds , and crumbling teeth due to AA but only issue that arose was to dentists and GP advice to apply sick day rules when invasive

[SheffieldJane]

I have had plenty of dental treatment over the last 7+ years with no issues, including one lot of quite invasive treatment. My dentist did give me anaesthetic without adrenaline when I informed him about Pred though.

[Bcol]

Not had any worries from dentist since being on Pred.

[Heron82]

I had a tooth extraction and root canal too whilst on 20 mg pred. I take alendronic acid and had check ups and X-rays before and after to confirm healing was going well. I had no issues.

What dose are you on? Good luck

[Ridge]

Ordinary dental treatment is not an issue I believe. I was told by my dentist he would not consider an implant as pred made me more vulnerable to infection. Even low doses. This was certainly born out by my slow response to antibiotics. 2021 was what I call a year of antibiotics! Three lots for an abscess and eventual extraction, whereupon in the past one 7 day dose would have done it. And a visit overnight to a hospital for intravenous antibiotics for a finger infection which did not respond to oral dose and had started tracking. Plus double dose for a UTI which resulted in an allergic reaction. Not a great year and I am now very careful of any wound or cut and treat it with attention to avoid any infection. I wasn’t at the time on high doses - certainly under 10mg. But we are all different.

[calibriel]

Like everyone else here it seems, I have continued to have regular dental treatment while on pred, including an extraction. My dentist told me to take a double dose on that day only - presumably to prevent ill effects. This was later approved by the surgery pharmacist in my annual review. The extraction went as you might expect: not fun, but no apparent additional problems. I hope your situation is resolved

[Janettechud in reply to calibriel]

I have been on high dose 20 - 25 Pred and Ad for over 16 months and every time I go for a routine hygiene or minor dental work I end up with an infection. I bought a Waterpik and use this EVERYDAY now and that cleared up the problems otherwise its routine antibiotics. Good luck.

[calibriel in reply to Janettechud]

Sorry to hear that. I’m lucky to be on a lower dose of pred (atm). All this about dentistry is new to me

[Merryfield]

had a treatment. no effect at all.

[YorkieShowBreed]

My significant other is a Dentist and he has seen many patients on Pred with varying doses and he advises a Water Pik daily. He has had no one with a problem so far. Infection can’t set in with a beautifully clean mouth. Once tried you will never go back to regular flossing.

[papadapadoo]

Today my periodontal hygienist told me that prednisone tightens the gums and thus my mouth looked better than before! In addition, prednisone has sent my allergic contact dermatitis into remission. So it ain't all evil.

[Stills]

My diagnosis is Stills Disease which for me manifests as rheumatoid Disease including fever. Even though I was diagnosed in 1979 and have been steroid free since my mid 20’s my dentists always wanted antibiotics prescribed following a clean or treatment..... when I moved house and found a new dentist I failed to mention Stills and have been having fillings and cleans without any problem ever since.

[SunriseHope]

My rheumatologist told me not to have any dental done until I was down to 10 mg of prednisone, not even a cleaning. I’m also on Prolia and Leflunomide . She said chances of infection were high. Now on the other hand , she told me to go ahead with a cystoscope and a colonoscopy!

It’s so confusing when it seems every Doctor has a different view of how things should be done.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SunriseHope]

Then I'd not have had ANYTHING done for the last 14 years!

[Golden20]

That’s the first time I’ve heard that about prednisone and dental appointments. My Dentist asks me what medication I’m on and has it changed every time I see her, which is 6 months for the hygienist and annually for check up. I’ve had a tooth removed and a filling.