Dentist Dilemma

jackie1955

I posted recently asking about having a sedation at the dentists whilst also being on MTX. Didn't really get much respons (well certainly not from anyone on MTX who's had the sedation )

Anyway, spoke to my Rheumy Nurse and she just said its ok just don't have the MTX if he gives you antibiotics. Oh, and you MUST let the dentist know your on MTX.

Bear with me folks! Been for my initial consultation with a new dentist, knew I needed 3 teeth out. Then he tells me I need 4 out definitely This will leave me with just 7 of my own teeth the rest being on dentures. He then asked/suggested that I consider having ALL of them removed at the same session.......

Now the thought of having all nice, even teeth is very inviting. And never having to go back for treatment again great!

BUT having 11 teeth out - in one go? And just exactly what is the worry about being on the MTX?

Help my friends - what would you do?

Jackie x

mmarshall

Hello Jackie

I was just reading your post and it reminded me of something I read the other day. I got a leaflet from a health care trust that I am a memeber of and they had an article regarding a link between gum disease and RA. It only said that this was being looked at by the experts. I have RA myself and have had gum problems for years even before I was diagnosed with RA and I am still having problems.
Don't know if anyone else has heard anything about this?
I know this is not answering your questions but I think the next time I see my dentist I will ask about this.

Mary

woodbon

Hello, That does sound a lot to have done at once, as you say. If it was me, even though it means several trips to the denist which I can understand you dont like, I'd ask for them to be taken out in 2 or 3 appointments, with a few weeks for healing between the appointments. He may be able to give you a good reason why and reassure you that its OK to take a lot of teeth out, but I'd certainly want to talk through the reasons and alternatives first. I think I'd also check with my rhemmy or rhemmy nurse about the effects of haveing major extractions.

I do hope I haven't frightened you, as the dentist may be quite used to this type of thing. I'd just want to check first!

Good luck, love Sue

lindalegs

Hi Jackie,

First of all I think they like to take the teeth out all in one go because they like you to wear your dentures straightaway. The problem, I think, with Mtx is in case you have to be onto antibiotics if you get an infection. Mtx makes antibiotics less effective. (There could aso be another reason I'm unaware of.)

I had a wisdom tooth out last year and was given antibiotics because I have joint replacements - before I took any tablets I read the leaflet and it said on there don't take this medicene if you're taking Mtx - I rang the hospital to ask the dentist and he said don't take the antibiotics. I didn't take them and I was fine.

Ring and ask the dentist, if you're unsure, you could always stop your Mtx for that week especially now you're established with it and on a steady dose.

Hope this helps.

Luv Legs

jackie1955

Mary, I've never really had problems with my gums........ years ago my dentist said my teeth were very white, which I thought was a good thing, until he added that no it wasn't as they would be very weak. Another dentist told my sister the same thing about her having very white teeth, adding that they would be like chalk! And we have both had loads of fillings over the years and are both quite toothless now

Sue and Linda, I see my rheumy next week so I am going to ask him what he advises. If he says its okay to have them all out in one go :shock: I will think long and hard about whether I want to do that.

And regarding the MTX I will ask him why is it so important for the dentist to know I am on it (when I mentioned it to the dentist he had never heard of it, but I told him apparently its important that he knows I take it, so he assured me he will read up on it).

'Fangs' for replying

Jackie x