Dental advice

[Sowze]

Hi I have CREST and diffuse cutaneous scleroderma. Recently having problems with molar which dentist thinks may be abscess and prescribed antibiotics and suggests root canal treatment. I’m uncomfortable about this as I wonder whether the problems are connected to my condition rather than anything else. I would be grateful if you can advise of a dentist with knowledge of CREST/scleroderma to give me some advice.

Thanks

Sowze

[LucyJean]

Hi there, if you have an abscess, regardless of what the cause is then you need antibiotics and appropriate dental work. Lots of people without Scleroderma get infections which lead to abscesses that need treating. You may be more susceptible to abscesses if you are on immunosuppression because of your Scleroderma, which make you more prone to infections in general. If you have poor mouth opening making your teeth difficult to keep clean this also makes you more prone to infections, as does having a dry mouth. Regardless of the cause though the treatment will be the same.All my best

Lucy xxx

[Sowze in reply to LucyJean]

Many thanks Lucy much appreciatedSowze

[Ricexxjm in reply to LucyJean]

I too have had much dental trouble and thought it was due to my cancer treatments of radiation and chemo., I also have crest from it.

[Midgebite21]

Your dentist will know if it’s an abscess requiring antibiotics and root canal treatment regardless of their knowledge of scleroderma. The initial cause of the abscess/infection is irrelevant really at this immediate time, they just need to treat the symptoms before they escalate. Even with prior in-depth knowledge of scleroderma it’s unlikely that their treatment plan would be any different if you already have an infection/abscess. I’ve had CREST/limited scleroderma for 19 years and have had 2 abscesses treated in that time successfully by my dentist.

[Sowze in reply to Midgebite21]

Thank you for your reply, much appreciated Sowze

[Sophiebun11]

Hi, a dentist doesn't need to know about CREST to fix your infected tooth.

Leaving an infected tooth linger is just causing more of a drain on your immune system.

Please get the root canal done ASAP. I've had 11 root canals with Scc. I don't think it's related to my autoimmune disease at all.

Best of luck to you.

[Ricexxjm]

Did you smoke ? I do think your immune system does effect. Your teeth.