XGEVA and Dental Problems?

hannah4

Hello ladies, My mom had dental pain, went to the dentist two weeks ago but forgot to tell the dentist she is on Xgeva. The dentist now has a temp bridge on Mom's back teeth where Mom has a decayed tooth done underneath. Have any of you experienced jaw pain or any dental problems after taking Xgeva? Any experiences would be great to hear. She saw her oncologist yesterday. He's very concerned she NOT get ANY teeth pulled BEFORE seeing an dentist with major expertise in jaw/bone cancer. Have any of you had problems with XGEVA and dental problems?

peggy_j

If you're searching for a dentist w/ experience in challenging jaw issues, you may want to try the Oral Surgery faculty at a dental school. Not sure if this is close but FYI

http://www.dentistry.unc.edu/patient/dfp/

GabbyCal

Yes, you need to find an exceptionally well-qualified dental specialist for your mom. I haven't heard of Xgeva, but assume it's a biophosphate. People on this type of drug are at risk for necrosis of the jaw so need to take great care if an extraction is needed. I researched this a bit online and the general consensus I reached was that extraction would be the treatment option of last resort. You want to avoid doing anything related to the bone. That said, I went to a presentation by a local oncologist who said he rarely saw this in his patients, and when he did, believed it was related to the skill of the dentist. 

hannah4

thanks Gabby, yes mom is going to the top doc for this jaw situation next week. we feel very confident in his hands. i dont think it's going to be onj but we will find out soon. thanks so much for your input.