dentist

[shella]

Not sure if I am posting in the right place …..I am nearly off steroids but due to have a root canal treatment should i take steroids before? Thank you for your advice 😥

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I didn't take any extra when I had a root canal treatment done. However, I was on well above 10mg anyway. I suppose it depends how nervous you are about dental procedures and whether it will stress you. Probably something to discuss with the dentist beforehand - and make sure they know you are a longterm corticosteroids patient. You could take some extra pred with you to take if you feel wobbly afterwards.

[SnazzyD]

What dose are you on?

[shella in reply to SnazzyD]

Almost down to nothing for the past few months but as root canal is quite invasive wondered if I should build up a bit before treatment! Thank you 🙏

[SnazzyD in reply to shella]

I wouldn’t bother unless I felt wobbly or possibly 1mg on the day if you are at the crumbs stage

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to shella]

I didn't.

[HeronNS]

Assuming you have not had any symptoms of wobbliness, or other signs of adrenal insufficiency:

I doubt you will need extra as your dose has been very low for a long time. At the most, consider taking an extra mg or half mg the day of. I was down fairly low just before I embarked on a summer of dental adventures, and did take a bit extra the first day of them. I didn't after that, but as I was in a taper I made sure to take the higher of the doses on the days of procedures. Don't know if it was really necessary but I was fine.

There's definitely no need to build up ahead of time!

However, if in other situations you have experienced some signs that your adrenals are not behaving quite as strongly as you'd like, then take a little extra on the day, for insurance.

[shella]

thank you all so much…. always worry in the dentist chair…and this a new dentist…. will take the 1mg on the day to give me peace of mind!

[HeronNS in reply to shella]

All the best! Next Monday I go back to the dentist who did an extraction+implant on same day for second, and hopefully last followup!

[shella]

good luck with it all 🙏