Teeth, AI's, Zometa

[sassy]

Once again I am faced with dental work. It seems to me that my dental health is declining since being on AI's and Lupron. Has anyone else experienced this?

I now have two teeth (first molar on both lower sides) that have broken. I am reluctant to go with any extensive work because of the Zometa, but am considering asking the dentist to just build up the side that has broken.

What risks do I have with the Zometa if I go this route?

Thanks for any input.

[hutchibk]

You need to talk to your dentist and onc first and see what experience they have with osteonecrosis of the jaw and bisphosphonates. Have them do the research about how best to address it. I don't know but it might make sense to go off of Zometa for a period of time so you can get the dental work done. Of course I am not a doctor, so you need them to really research this and come up with a good plan. I don't know that just building them up would help as opposed to cause further problems. The jaw bone will probably continue necrosis if the broken teeth aren't removed or permanently repaired - as any infection that might be lurking underneath a broken tooth can encourage further necrosis.

[karenann]

I am on Aromasin and I was wondering if that is what is causing the problem with my teeth. I have had to have two root canals this summer (never had one before) and now my face is all swollen and my dentist can't figure out what is wrong.

Karen

[Becky]

Sassy

When was your last Zometa? If it was awhile ago, I would get the work done. Side effects exist but not for all of us. I can't even remember the percentag that the jaw problem occurs. Since chemo and everything, I have had 2 root canals (with crowns) and 2 crowns (with no root canal) and also some cavities (new) and old ones replaced. My dentist said that the biggest problem is the chemo and that lack of estrogen changes the pH of the mouth (never heard that before but it changes the pH of the vagina and they are probably similar types of cells that line each).

You need to weigh the good with the bad. If the root goes, you will HAVE to do something and that will effect the jaw but just crowning doesn't involve that much. Its like - AIs cause joint pain (as a side effect) - would you stop taking it because it MIGHT cause it?

To be a well person, you need to take care of all of you so you might be risking more by not getting the dental work versus getting it. Also, the side effects are more noted for women with mets would get Zometa monthly as part of their treatment plan.


Just giving my thoughts. You need to discuss with your dentist (and perhaps onc too).

PS - I get Zometa every 6 months (give a month sometimes)

[sassy]

I'm only getting Zometa once a year; January was the last. So I suppose my risk would be small.

I haven' heard about the ph before either. There has to be a correlation between disease/treatment and dental problems.

Thanks for your responses. Off to the dentist.