Dental Care Issues

[GreenPlanter]

I have been on Ibrance and Femara for 2-1/2 years now. I am having gum problems but periodontist doesn't want to treat me because I am considered "high risk". I am also on Zometa bone infusion once every three months. It is so frustrating since I can't get gum treatment. Has anyone had this issue? Appreciate your comments. I live in SoCal.

[Nunky]

Hi - I’m on Xgeva and had to have a dental clearance prior to commencing the drug bc of the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. Had a tooth extracted then and been ok since but I’d had all quadrants cleaned and was only on maintenance cleans with Peridontist prior to diagnosis. I still have regular maintenance cleans and take good care myself . These bone strengthening agents have long half lives and can cause complications so I reckon your Peridontist is right. However you can always get a second opinion . I wish you well x

[kearnan]

This is why. If it is not something has that to be done with your gums, forget it. If it is, then you would have to off that Zometa for some time before you could have work. Your dentist is right. It would be sort of like malpractice if he was to do gum work, knowing that you are on that drug.

"Can you have dental work done while on Zometa?

It is important that you tell all of your doctors that you are receiving zoledronic acid injection, including your dentist. If you are having dental procedures while receiving this medicine, you may have an increased chance of having a severe problem with your jaw.

Feb 1, 2022"

[CatLady2022]

he probably doesn’t want to treat you due to the zometa injections which have been known to destroy the jaw. I have refused the meds because they wanted me to get clearance from periodontist and no one would see me. Finally I questioned my oncologist as to why and she said the types of meds that prevent fracture in the bone will actually cause jaw bone death (necrosis of jaw).

[Andersl]

I'm in the UK.

I've had very painful issues with my teeth and gums. I was only on a bone infusion for 6 months. I stopped when I started getting the issues because I too was scared of the risks. I didn't realise at the time that the drug can stay in your system for 10 years!

My orthodontist performed root canal cleaning which took a while to settle down and for the pain to go away but it was very successful.

I've been told to avoid having teeth extracted. That is what can kick off the ONJ.

I'd say, get another opinion. The person you're seeing for your problems seems reluctant to do the necessary work. You need someone that does this type of treatment regularly and is confident and competent to do so.

Best wishes x

[Normalee1965]

I was on Zometa for two years. I had to have a tooth removed a year and a half ago. I lost part of the bone on my lower jaw and also a large chunk of the roof of my mouth. I developed a hole that would not heal in the roof of my mouth they had to do surgery and cleaned out all the dead bone. While I was trying to heal the open hole was still there. I developed another hole inside of that hole that went up into my nose so any liquid I had in my mouth was coming out my nose. A large ridge of bone then developed in the roof of my mouth that has been trying to work its way out every since the surgery this past March. It’s not been fun. the oral surgeon said it’s probably going to continue to happen. So please definitely believe anything that your specialty dentist tell you if they are at all familiar with Zometa. I wish you well!!

[Dflur]

Find another periodontist! I had bone grafting done , 3 months ago for anew crown… Iam on the same Med’s, for 3 years.

[GreenPlanter in reply to Dflur]

Did you have any jaw problems after your dental treatment. Thanks for your response. Appreciate it.

[Nocillo]

My understanding is that you have to be off of Zometa for 3 months before invasive work can be done.

[LaliChicago]

I am scheduled to have an upper jaw wisdom tooth extracted in September. My oncologist indicated I should be off Xgeva for three months before and three months after the extraction. She didn’t appear to be too concerned nor did the oral surgeon, both who are very familiar with the ONJ possibility. I will report my experience after the extraction.