Bone loss, teeth problems

survivor11

Anyone else have problems with their teeth during or after chemo? I am PFC 19 months and was told I need 10 back teeth removed and implants put in due to bone loss and potential for decay. Another question is, if you have had this did you get medical insurance to pay anything. My dental insurance will only pay 1500.00 leaving me with a 15000.00$ bill.

doxie

Survivor11,  Is this recommendation coming from your regular dentist?  I'd consider getting a second opinion to make sure this is necessary.  Maybe your MO can suggest someone who may be better at determining if chemo and AIs are causing such a severe problem.  Maybe there is another possible intervention that is less intrusive and keeps bone loss to a minimum.  I'm assuming that you are on AIs.  Have you considered taking zometa or another similar bisphosphonate?

Maybe someone else can be more specific.  I've been concerned about the impact of AIs on teeth, but this sounds rather out of the norm.  

Kathy044

I had problems with my teeth both during and after chemo, during chemo due to fluctuating body fluid levels ( one front tooth broke off below the gum line) and changes in salivia ph resulting in decay along the gum line. Three years later I still am having problems with decay due to dry mouth as a result of Arimidex. My hygienist suggested using biotene mouthwash or gel for the dry mouth. Before BC dx I only needed teeth cleaning/scaling every 8 months, I now go every 5 months. I don't have dental insurance but better to keep on top of any problems rather then risk needing implants or tooth extraction in future.

I discovered I had osteoporosis when I came off chemo so was required to take a bone treatment drug to allow me to take the AI. I was on a bisphosphate for 2 1/2 years and recently switched to Prolio (a different type of drug) after breaking my wrist but apparently it is just as risky as the bisphosphate for necrosis of the jaw complications. If you are taking bone drugs, or think that in the future you might need to you need to be aware of the risk of certain dental procedures such as extractions and implants -- or is that what your doctor is suggesting, that you get ahead of the game and remove your back teeth first so you do not need to worry about complications later.

I suggest you get a second opinion. I really regret all the crown work I had when I was younger, they don't last forever, nor root canals, I've had to redo one of those too.

Kathy

Pessa

I had very similar problems.  Increase in decay and need for root canals after chemo, for a couple of years now.  I am in need of implants but am concerned whether they will work or cause problems because I have developed osteopenia since starting the AI 2 years ago.  No osteoporosis yet, but am concerned.