The Dentist while on Herceptin

TheresaMac

I have to go to the dreded Dentist and the Dr wants me on antibiotics 7 days prior to having fillings done. Has anyone else gone to the dentist during treatment with herceptin? UG!

Sassa

I went to the dentist  while on herceptin (cleanings every three months).  My periodontist also did gum graft surgery.

TheresaMac

Really? My ONC will not let me get cleanings until it's done...Hmmmm

Did you have to be on Antibiotics before hand?

Thank you so much for posting

Estepp

Do you have implants?

TheresaMac

No Implants I had a lumpectomy

Estepp

The only reason that I know of.. that YOU HAVE to have antibiotics is if you have implants or if you are on CHEMO and have to have teeth work. For just Herceptin... never even thought or heard that.

Ihave implants.. I will take anti-biotics the rest of my life prior to cleanings or anything...

I would not worry about taking the week of antibiotics... but I would ask WHY and make sure you get your answer!

Blessings!

Laura

TheresaMac

OK, thank you Laura...This has been a real ride for me as you know and now my teeth are gonna start. GEEEEEEZZZZ

TheresaMac

P.S.

I did just finish chemo two weeks ago, so that could be why. I will ask

Estepp

I know sister.. it blows....lol

I had to have a tooth pulled and one filled two weeks after chemo THANKS to chemo.. grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Hang in there.. Love youself!

JeninMichigan

I believe the antibiotics have to do with preventing an infection around the sac that holds your heart.    When the dentists cleans your teeth or gets into the gums at all, there is a higher chance of bacteria entering your blood and going to the your heart.  i guess it must be the link between herceptin and the heart.   I have been on Herceptin for a over a year and have had my teeth cleaned.  My oncolgoist didn't want me to do it while I was going through chemo but it is Ok for me to do it now.  I will be on Herceptin for life so I need to be able to get my teeth cleaned.   Just another extra pill to take 

Jennifer

Sassa

Theresa,

No antibiotics for the routine cleanings or the gum surgery.

ejlj

Just went to the dentist today for a cleaning and am required to take abx prior to surgery only because I have a port in and am still neutopenic.  tina

nasharayne

My onc told me to wait until I was at least three weeks out from chemo to go to the dentist.  I went last week and I haven't had in problems.

link7881

I don't see anything wrong with it, however, herceptin may cause dizzines (according to Scottsdale dentist). So, it's better to wait for a week before going to the dentist and have some fillings while under herceptin treatment.

EGAL

I have implants and I have to take two antibotics tablets one hour before any dental procedure (cleaning, fillings, etc).  I went to dentist during Herceptin as I was treated for one year.  Can't remember if I went during the 6 months of chemo

Ellen

TheresaMac

Thank you guys for your posts...XO

lindany

Him

You're going to be on herceptin for LIfe??? How come.  I thought herceptin was for one year after chemo.

Best,

LindaNY 

Sassa

lindany,

Jenni is Stage IV so she will receive herceptin for life (or as long as it keeps working fir her).  The one year treatment is for early stage patients.