Yes, tooth extractions and dental abscesses are something that some MyMyelomaTeam members have dealt with. Dental issues are actually quite common with myeloma, so you're definitely not alone in this.
There are some important things to be aware of when it comes to tooth extractions and myeloma treatment:
- If you're taking Show Full Answer
Yes, tooth extractions and dental abscesses are something that some MyMyelomaTeam members have dealt with. Dental issues are actually quite common with myeloma, so you're definitely not alone in this.
There are some important things to be aware of when it comes to tooth extractions and myeloma treatment:
- If you're taking bisphosphonates (like Zometa or Aredia) or denosumab (Xgeva), tooth extractions can be risky because these medications can affect how bones heal
- Ideally, bisphosphonate treatment should be paused for 90 days before and after any invasive dental work
- Always make sure your oncologist and dentist are talking to each other before any procedure One thing to watch out for after any dental procedure is osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). Signs to look for include:
- Jaw pain or unusual tenderness
- Loose teeth
- Exposed jawbone
- Pus or discharge in the mouth
- Slow healing after dental work
A MyMyelomaTeam member shared that after a dental procedure for ONJ, the infection was treated and they were managing well on soft foods during recovery.
It's really important to let both your dentist and oncologist know about each other so they can coordinate your care safely. 🦷
October 14