Zometa and Root Canal

DivineMrsM
DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
edited July 2016 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

I've been getting zometa for five years. It was once a month for several years, now I get it every three months.

I'm having trouble with one of my molars and thinking I may need a root canal. Never had one before. What complications arise since I've been on the zometa? What do you recommend

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Comments

  • ibcmets
    ibcmets Member Posts: 4,286
    edited July 2016

    They will probably want you off Zometa for awhile b/4 working on your teeth. Pulling them is a big no no, but not sure about root canals. I'm doinh Xgeva shots every month after 3 years on Zometa. It's been 7 years for me.

    Terri

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  • ABeautifulSunset
    ABeautifulSunset Member Posts: 990
    edited July 2016

    a root canal is not as dangerous as pulling a tooth. But there is still some risk. I would try to find an ONJ specialist (not easy to find) as most dentists have no idea of the implications of biphosphates and dental work.

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  • Kessala
    Kessala Member Posts: 189
    edited July 2016

    After years of being on monthly Zometa I had a root canal done. Both my family dentist and the root canal specialist assured me a root canal would be no problem. Better to have a root canal procedure done than an extraction!

    Go for it. I never stopped Zometa to allow for the root canal work. No problems.

    Kessala

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited July 2016

    Good Luck, Divine! I've had 2 root canals, one by my dentist, one by an endodontist. Although it was before bc, and I didn't have a concern about meds, just want to say they were very easy, though tedious (took so long!). Wishing you the best...and one less tooth to worry about...that's glass half full :-)

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  • starbrightlyshines
    starbrightlyshines Member Posts: 344
    edited July 2016

    I had one done last winter by and Endodontist.  We discussed Zometa use and as most other MD's he said he felt the benefits outweighed the risks.  But I am having extreme side effects from them (both Zometa IV and Xgeva injection) so I am not sure if I want to continue to use them.  My root canal was not a problem..

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  • Zillsnot4me
    Zillsnot4me Member Posts: 2,687
    edited July 2016

    Can I ask a silly question? Why is a root canal preferable to an extraction? Because you keep your tooth?

    At this point, I'm ready to sacrifice my tooth to get rid of the pain and back on xgeva. It's a back molar. I just want whatever is easiest and relatively painless and somewhat inexpensive.

    I haven't been able to get a lot of info from my dentist. She's going to refer me but it depends on what I have done and if I want a local or to be put under. Can anyone help me with the pros and cons?

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  • Sue2009
    Sue2009 Member Posts: 228
    edited July 2016

    I have had back molars pulled on left side, couple years apart. Dr said if he pulled molar my bite would be off. Yes it was awkward at first, but I got use to it.

    I have back molar on right going bad, a lot of sensitivity. Dr said we will skip next Zometta & can have tooth pulled in Dec. I have had jaw pain on & off. Took Zometta Q1month for 2yrs, now every 3 months. Dx in 2008, has only gone to bones so far. Hope this helped. Sue

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  • Zillsnot4me
    Zillsnot4me Member Posts: 2,687
    edited July 2016

    thanks sue. I just don't think I'm up for the aggravation or expense of a root canal.

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  • stagefree
    stagefree Member Posts: 2,780
    edited July 2016

    Good luck with the root canal! As far as I know, as long as you don't pull it of the jaw bone, the risk is minimal. I checked the status of my jaw last year, adter 3,5 on Zometa, things weren't bad. No procedures required yet. Still the surgeon dentist bewared me to not oversee any risk, to be on the safe side. hope for your relief soon!

    Ebru

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