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Barbara H. · 07-02-2006, 02:25 PM

Hi Lisa,
I have been researching this problem today. I have been receiving Zometa since March. I really feel awful for a few days after treatment. I ache all over and the intensity depends on how much Advil I take. Apparently, you can have dental procedures, but you need to avoid, tooth extractions, gum surgery, and root canal procedures. My oncologist feels that I need to take it, but he also says that the real correct standard is unknown, although the current practice is every 3 to 5 weeks.
My other problem is that I produce a lot of plaque and need to have my teeth cleaned. My counts are now really low due to Navelbine, and I had to skip my recent cleaning treatment. This makes me worried because skipping my cleaning treatments can cause gum disease. It is a catch 22 situation. I also have to schedule my cleanings 6 months in advance. How can a person plan? When I asked if I could just come in when my counts were high, I was told there are many cancer patients in the same situation and the office can't handel that kind of scheduling. I am going to request that my cancer center start offering teeth cleaning for cancer patients because then the situation could be better monitored.

I'm glad that you brought this up, because a lot is unknown still in this area, and more research needs to be done. My oncologist does have a patient with jaw necrosis from Zometa and he said it GREATLY has impacted her quality of life.

I hope to hear from others on this site, because it needs to be discussed and researched.

Again, thanks for bringing it up.

Best regards,
Barbara H.

07-02-2006, 02:25 PM	#2
Barbara H. Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Newton, MA Posts: 951	Hi Lisa, I have been researching this problem today. I have been receiving Zometa since March. I really feel awful for a few days after treatment. I ache all over and the intensity depends on how much Advil I take. Apparently, you can have dental procedures, but you need to avoid, tooth extractions, gum surgery, and root canal procedures. My oncologist feels that I need to take it, but he also says that the real correct standard is unknown, although the current practice is every 3 to 5 weeks. My other problem is that I produce a lot of plaque and need to have my teeth cleaned. My counts are now really low due to Navelbine, and I had to skip my recent cleaning treatment. This makes me worried because skipping my cleaning treatments can cause gum disease. It is a catch 22 situation. I also have to schedule my cleanings 6 months in advance. How can a person plan? When I asked if I could just come in when my counts were high, I was told there are many cancer patients in the same situation and the office can't handel that kind of scheduling. I am going to request that my cancer center start offering teeth cleaning for cancer patients because then the situation could be better monitored. I'm glad that you brought this up, because a lot is unknown still in this area, and more research needs to be done. My oncologist does have a patient with jaw necrosis from Zometa and he said it GREATLY has impacted her quality of life. I hope to hear from others on this site, because it needs to be discussed and researched. Again, thanks for bringing it up. Best regards, Barbara H.