Bisphosphonate infusions and dental work

Hi PictureThis2 I’ve just had my second infusion

 Zolidronic acid BIsphosphonate I was told the worry would be extraction etc and bones healing . But you could have other treatment also told best to leave six weeks after and complete six weeks  before treatment . 

Also if I have query re treatment I ring onco secretary and leave question with her and she gets back to me with onco answer . 

Hppe you get sorted 

Margaret x

Thanks very much Northerner for your reply. So does that mean if I have the bisphosphonates treatment this week, I should leave it six weeks before having a filling? That would actually fit because I think it'll be around 2 months until my dentist can fit me in. I knew about leaving it six weeks after dental treatment before having the infusion but not the other way around, if that makes sense, so that is interesting.

I'm wondering if anyone has had regular filings, root fillings or crowns during their (usually 3 years) on the infusions and had any issues at all?

Its frustrating because I already had a filling back in March and an X-ray at my dentist to check that all was OK... then came Covid delays and another lost filling. I was told to get a DIY filling kit! eek! as a temp measure. I did that but it keeps crumbling and falling out so I've given up on that and am just obsessively keeping it clean now.

Thanks for the tip re Onco secretary but I did try that already and was told that the best way to reach him is via my BCN...

Sending best wishes to you all for a sunny Sunday.

x

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Hi PictureThis2 

I’ve  never had to put it to the test so if you can check it with another dentist . It makes sense to me that it is the extraction or implant that would cause a possible prob although I believe risk is low even then. 

Yes I was told a clear six weeks prior to infusion and six weeks clear after infusion for filings. Think it so any damage to gum. Makes sense three years is a long time to go without treatment if needed .

hope someone with more info can help

margaret x

Hi Margaret

Thanks for that. Yes I will see if anyone else replies who may have had treatment whilst on the infusions, but thanks so much for the guidance and the heads up about the 6 weeks. I agree that surely people must have fillings whilst on the infusions as three years is quite a long stint to do without needing any work done, even if you floss like crazy!

x 

Prior to covid and my diagnosis of bc I was undergoing implant treatment. I had extractions and bone grafting with a view to placing the implants this month.  I spoke to my employer who is a dentist and he advised that if I could have the infusions on a monthly basis rather than every six months that would be better. Unfortunately I was told it had to be every 6 months.  He will work around placing the implants before my infusion in 6 months time or after chemo and before my 3rd infusion. . Yes it is extractions that you would have to be careful of but fillings would be ok. Please make sure your dentist has a full up to date medical report and details of your treatment particularly the dates of your infusions. 

L x

Hi Thanks so much for the advice, it is reassuring. I hope you get your implants sorted out whenever the window of opportunity is right. 

My dentist thinks I will need either a crown or a root filling. He knows this particular tooth well as its a bit of a trouble causer, but recent X-rays were good so he says he will definitely be able to avoid an extraction! Regarding dates of infusion, as Margaret says, is 6 weeks after the infusion a safe time for the work to be done? 

I've told him about my recent medical history and any meds that I am on, but do you mean I should give him a report from the hospital?

Also he is going to do a temporary fix for me asap (as my DIY kit failed!) but I am assuming there is no problem with that being near the infusion date as no drilling required, just effectively sticking some quick fix putty stuff over the gap?

Thank you x

Hi PictureThis2

Having a temporary filling should not cause any  problems. When was the last xray of the tooth? If it wasnt recent then your dentist may need to take another just to check  root canals are ok, but I'm sure he has already done that. Great you  only need a crown. I have some crowns and had them for many years

My dentist advised cleaning teeth 3 times a day and flossing thorughly every day. I am using a mouth wash given to me by my Oncology unit twice a day mainly to stop ulcers and a sore mouth .

No need  to give him your hospital report as you have given him full details of your current medical history.

Good luck and hope you get it all sorted soon.

Linda x

Hi

Thank you so much for your dental knowledge. The last jaw X-ray was March this year, so hopefully nothing has changed since then and he is basing his thoughts that it will be either a filling, root filling or a crown on that. I will ask him to leave it at least 6 weeks after the infusion until doing the work. There is a long queue anyway. I am rather obsessively brushing and flossing at the moment too! Good luck with the rest of your chemo. x