Biphosphonates / Zoledronic Acid

My dentist has always been at pains to let me know that it is only invasive work into the jaw that may cause issues - like tooth extraction. It worth remembering that it is extremely rare too. 

I have had a root canal since starting zoledronic acid and followed the advice of my oncologist - was to have a 2 month gap either side of the infusion for any treatment like that. Standard fillings are fine any time.Ive also had a crown fitted and a few fillings (chemo not good for your teeth!) with no issues.

I'd be tempted with going to another dentist. 2% is a big percentage when you want to reduce the likelihood of it coming back.

If you have your wisdom tooth out to ward off any future issues (though is there anything wrong with it?), then I'd just check in with your oncologist to see when you would be able to have the infusion as presume you would need to wait until fully healed.

I'm sorry that your dentist has been so negative, I understand that complications are rare. Please don't be put off 

I had an extraction before my first infusion. I'm seeing my dentist prior to each infusion, 6 monthly

Benefits are also for bone density 

Hope you get a plan for any work you need but don't panic too much

Best wishes x 

If you have a look on the Royal Osteoporosis Society website they have some really good information on all bisphosphonates.  Like you I was terrified and I actually telephoned and spoke to one of the nurses, who reassured me about all those issues. I have really problematic teeth.  I had a DEXA scan before starting Anastrazole and was found to have osteoporosis. I have an annual infusion of  Zolendronic Acid.

Good luck 

Thank you - this is my issue, I too have problematic teeth despite very regular checks and I’m petrified I’ll need a tooth out over the next 10 years. I’ll have a read x

Thank you - I’ve always been careful with my teeth and have regular checked but have had to have quite a lot of work on them so knowing the chances of nothing needing doing over 10 years is what’s worrying me. Also the oncologist mentioned issues with ears? 

Thank you, I’ve hardly slept worrying about it. I’m having a second opinion tomorrow (although now the seed is planted about the wisdom tooth I don’t see how I can not have it out now) and I’ve asked to see the oncologist again to discuss his thoughts on it knowing despite very regular check ups over many years I’ve still needed quite a lot of work. X

I too was facing a similar problem.

I had to have two teeth extracted before I start I start chemotherapy. I talked through the advantages of the biphosphates, I was told that they would not prevent osteoporosis but would protect the bones from possible mets. My advantage for taking them was 1 percent. I have made the decision not to have them, I may be able to change my mind at a later stage I don’t know.

my mum had osteonecrosis of the maxilla and jaw I don’t want that. But I have been told it is very rare. Very difficult to make these decisions when you are in such a fragile state.

I was told that if I didn’t have chemotherapy there was a 15 percentage that the cancer would return so a no brainier. One percent for bone mets I decided no..

good luck 

sending virtual hugs

You’re right, it’s so hard to make these decisions - I was doing so well as well, just starting to move on with life and now I feel I’m slap bang in it again. I’m going to see what the onco says when I see him again (I’ve requested another appointment) and also a second opinion tomorrow at the dentist. I’d never thought about my parents but my mum and her mum had to have all their teeth removed and my dad has had several removed in later life. I’ll see what they say and hopefully I can think better when I know more. Thank you xx

Hi, like you, this terrified me. Worse still, I developed terrible toothache about 3 months after my first infusion (despite having had a check up before it started) and ended up having a wisdom tooth removed. Both my dentist and oncologist agreed it was the right thing to do for me at the time and that was over a year ago now and I've not had any issues since.   Best of luck with your decision.