Dentists

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hi, 

Has anyone had to go to a dentist whilst having Chemo? 

My tooth broke tonight, I'm not in pain but I do worry it could get worse. The tooth had previously been filled but the enamel at the back has come away so I'm worried the filling will fall out? 

Anyhoo, currently having chemo and have another 7 weekly treatments to go.

I'm with an NHS dentist. 

So, has anyone had to see a dentist for treatment whilst having chemo and if so did you have to tell them? 

Did they treat you or did you have to wait until you had finished treatment? 

Will they make me wait until it hurts before seeing me? 

I know we have the double edge sword of also having to cope with Covid but I'll assume that the dentists will have processes and procedures in place and I will wear a mask... Until he has to look in my mouth! 

  • Not in covid times, but last year I had to see the dentist whilst doing chemo (it affected my mouth) and they did the filling, but nothing that might have drawn blood so to speak! Then I went back a month after I finished chemo to give the poison a chance to leave my system. Mine was 5FU, and NHS dentist. Hope that helps. I suggest you ring them and ask.

  • I too think you should phone and ask, it’s possible they could do a temporary filling to tide you over and then redo it later.

    hugs xxx

    Moomy

  • I’m a dental nurse. Currently NHS practices are not able to see patients unless they have a severe emergency problem. Screening has to take place and because of your chemo you would be advised to defer any treatment. Treatment that can be given is extremely limited as we can’t do anything that produces aerosol and most dental procedures produce this. Unless you are in extreme pain I would put off any appointment until the Covid R rating is reduced. By all means contact your practice to let them know that you have broken a tooth and that you will need treatment in future just try to avoid having to visit.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to moomy

    Hi

    Dental Practices will be opening from monday 8th June with full protocols and ppe in place. Ring your practice to see if they can offer you an emergency appointment asap as you need to get the tooth looked at before it breaks any more.

    I strongly suggest you advise them you are currently undergoing chemotherapy. All dental Practices must have an up to date medical questionnaire and it is in your best interest to tell them as it can affect your treatment. 

    You can also go on the nhs website to see if your health authority offers emergency dental treatment at a local hospital. This is offered in  West Sussex and I'm sure it would be offered in most areas. It may be advisable to go through the hospital route as your going through chemo.

    Good luck, I hope this helps.

    Linda x  ( works in a dental practice)