Dental Work

[Health4I]

Hi there, it may appear a silly or basic question so forgive me for asking.

I need some dental treatment e.g. tooth extraction, filling and crown probably. Do I need to be cautious with the drugs I am given for pain relief or 'numbing' the mouth etc. I currently take Levothyroxine only. Thanks

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Healtlh41

Having been on Levo for 45 years and had plenty of dental work during that time, I have been fine on whatever local anaesthetic the dentist has used. I have recently started asking for adrenaline free local anaesthetic due to having had episodes of tachycardia and high BP was discovered last year and an now on BP lowering medication.

[Health4I in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks for a speedy response, SS.

[jimh111]

I've never had any problem with any medicines. Once your hypothyroidism has been treated there shouldn't be a problem.

[Lora7again in reply to jimh111]

That isn't true for everyone Jimh111 but I am glad it works for you.

[jimh111 in reply to Lora7again]

" should't " but of course could in exceptional cases, but I would work on the basis all will be OK.

[hjh88]

I’ve not had any trouble with the anaesthetic when having dental work done after becoming hypo.

I have, however, had trouble following an amalgam filling. I’ve since read that mercury can suppress thyroid function and this rings true for me having experienced a kind of hypo dip after the treatment.

Antibiotics can be problematic too, broadly because they aren’t very good for your gut health, but certain types (fluoroquinolones which contain fluoride) can prevent the proper absorption of thyroid hormone. Link below which contains a list of fluoroquinolones and some more details about their impact:

functionalmedicineuniversit...

If you are given antibiotics, ask for a type which doesn’t contain fluoride if you can. You can also take a good probiotic or something like kefir (away from the antibiotics) to restore the good gut bacteria.

Hope that’s in some way helpful!

[Wetsuiter]

My dentist seems to need to know about th yhroid condition. Cant remrmembrr why now

[magsyh]

Your dentist should be told you're on levothyroxine. I always ask for adrenaline free injections if I need major work done.

[Health4I]

Thank you to all for responding. I had the appointment on last Friday and the dentist asked various questions etc. In the end I had a tooth extraction which went OK. I had injections to numb the area and thankfully no pain. Because the tooth was problematic he gave me a week of antibiotics amoxicilin? Didn't particularly want to take the medication but was advised to do so in case of issues. All OK thus far. A little tired but they be nothing to do with the experience or medication.