Expectation of formal complaint about dental treatment

Careful_with_that_Axe

Interesting! I could say somatt else, but am washing my mouth out enough as it is *grin*

I take it you have some errr experience of this? If so, you have my extreme sympathy - the pain is really something else isn't it. Let's face it - if you had something like that on your arm or leg, you would probaby be whisked into hospital, stat!

TBH, if that is what it is, I can live with it so long as I can get hands on pain relief. Corsodyl gel just doesn't cut it!

Just read you post edit Toothsmith - have been on Alendronic Acid for 6 years and have had chemo previously; IV and oral (Azathioprin/Methotrexate etc).

Damn we're good! Case solved my dear Watson!

Will be interesting to see what they say when I finally get appointment.

jugglebug

Careful_with_that_Axe wrote: »

Interesting! I could say somatt else, but am washing my mouth out enough as it is *grin*

I take it you have some errr experience of this? If so, you have my extreme sympathy - the pain is really something else isn't it. Let's face it - if you had something like that on your arm or leg, you would probaby be whisked into hospital, stat!

.

The only experience I have is taking the teeth out of people who have been on / are on Bisphosphonates.
Truth is the advice on how to treat folks who are on em is really mixed up and unclear.
Many folks advise pre op antibiotics to cover an extraction, but when pushed they admit there isn't any actual evidence for that. Just makes you feel better in that you have tried something. Same for pre op use of a chlorhexidine rinse. We know that is good for reducing post op infection so it cant do any harm right?
I certainly have been in the position of root filling some teeth that by all rights should be in the bin, however the high IV dose bisphosphonates she was on meant that no sane person would take em out without trying all the other options 1st!

Careful_with_that_Axe

Good lord. I didn't realise there were so many dental bods on this board!

My dental probs all started many, many years ago (25 odd) when I had some private cosmetic treatment of root fillings in teeth where the roots were prone to crumbling. I think the dentist wanted to help me feel better about the way my teeth looked, but set me up with dental problems for life. Hence the previous multiple extractions and lack of teeth in that area.

Regardless of why I started this thread, this has been an interesting and educational discussion!

ETA: Shall declare health a National Disaster Area and apply for UN funding *grin*

Careful_with_that_Axe

Just a quick update. I am still waiting for an appointment.
Turns out Consultants have been on leave for whole of February and March and there are no outpatients clinic dates planned as yet and so no appointments to be had.
Needless to say, when I found this out today, I contacted the PCT with a complaint.

curlygirl1971

Thanks for updating - followed your thread and was wondering how you were getting on. The wait is disgusting - hope you get seen very soon

Careful_with_that_Axe

Saw Consultant this afternoon. Pretty sure it is ONJ, but biopsy planned to ensure nothing else going on. advises coming off the Alendronic Acid for a while anyway; said 6 months won't do any harm in the long run.

Have been on and off antibiotics since original post as infection had got such a hold.

Will update with biopsy results if anyone still interested!

Toothsmith

I'm very interested in how they manage you Careful.

I've heard of this as a complication of bisphosphonates, but never seen a case, and certainly never had the management of a case first hand from the patient.

I cant see how coming off the bisphosphonates will help, as the effects can last for many years after patients come off them anyway. But as they sa, in the long term, that won't make much difference to what they doo to the osteoporosis.

Keep posting!

For anyone else reading this who have just gone onto, or are about to go onto bisphosphonates - PLEASE make sure you are as dentally healthy as you can be.

Careful_with_that_Axe

After these episodes, I am happier not taking the bisphosphonates. Suppose stopping them now will minimise any further damage.

I'll update with biopsy results etc. and planned management.

I ditto your advice, Toothsmith, and also suggest anyone whe is prescribed these ensures the Dr knows of any potential dental issues. At last that way an informed decision whether to take these or not can be made.

coldstreamalways

Yes, interested to hear what goes on careful. (don't want toothsmith to think I'm stalking him though). All my patients are really healthy, not even asthma so it's good to hear what's going on.

Toothsmith

Careful_with_that_Axe wrote: »

After these episodes, I am happier not taking the bisphosphonates. Suppose stopping them now will minimise any further damage.

I don't think it would - the effect of the bisphosphonates will be in your bones for years. But go by the advice of those treating you, it's not that vital in the short/medium term.

Bisphosphonates ARE very useful for osteoporosis though, so I wouldn't want to put anybody off taking them. Just make sure your dentally sound when you go on them, and keep up the maintenance.