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Dental care with osteoporosis

Posted , 6 users are following.

jennywren3
jennywren3

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis six years ago. I have been on Aledronic for five years and now have Denosumab injections six monthly. Over the passed years the only medical treatment I have needed is a couple of ex rays and some cleaning. Now I need actual treatment. Some root canal through a crown and bridge but my dentist can not treat me. Apparently I have to be refered to a hospital which has happened BUT Guys hospital do not have funding available to treat people like me. I was shocked when I received the letter and no recommendation as to what I do next. Any help out there?

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Aristotle13
    Aristotle13 jennywren3

    Posted

    Hi jennywren,

    I would guess that after being on Alendronic Acic for that length of time, there is quite a high risk of your bones tending towards the brittle stage and the jaw is particularly suscepible to osteonecrosis which is probably why your dentist doesn't want to proceed with the treatment him/herself. He has done the right thing for you because it is a high risk procedure but the only suggestion I can make is that your dentist contacts the hospital and gets an all clear from them to proceed and an assurance that if things go wrong they will provide emergency support to come up with a satisfactory outcome. 

    It really is a very difficult one and neither doctors nor dentists or anyone else for that matter, should not be placed in a position where prescribed drug effects are being refused treatment by the hospitals especially since these are known side effects for the particular drug.

    I suggest that you have a search through the Alendronic Acid group, there are often posts about dental issues in there.

    Sorry I can't help more.

    Aristotle.

  • Handbrake
    Handbrake jennywren3

    Posted

    Hi Jenny,

    my Gp wanted me to start Alendronic Acid following a dexa scan, I was concerned as I still have a full set of teeth and know that I will need dental treatment for sure within the next 10 years. My Gp told me to get any dental work done that is needed before starting however all is well with my teeth at the moment and I really don't fancy having my teeth out to start Alendronate My dentist told me that more information is on its way for people like us ( research in progress) but root canal treatment can be done. It may be worth looking for a dentist ( private rather than NHS) to deal with your issue. NHS dentists tend to refer to dental hospitals in my experience! 

    • jennywren3
      jennywren3 Handbrake

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply. I have tried another couple of dentists but they will not entertain me.
    • Handbrake
      Handbrake jennywren3

      Posted

      That's awful ! Sounds like your stuck between a rock and a hard place.I really feel for you X hopefully someone will come on with information to help you. But will keep my eyes and ears open don't give up there must be a solution somewhere !
  • kathleen65757
    kathleen65757 jennywren3

    Posted

    You need to have a blood test to see if it is safe which will show up in the blood test.

    The blood test is called 3Y CTX and checks the levels. If under 150 it is safe.

    This should be widely known but it is not. I told my GP who let other doctors know.

    You may be lucky and have a good result from the blood test.

    This information came from an oral specialist who also does extractions in a certain way not just tugging teeth out. He cuts down the side and takes the tooth out that way.

    Once you are on biphosphonates for more than three years this check must be done.

     

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