Expectation of formal complaint about dental treatment

Careful_with_that_Axe

No problem coldstream. It was thanks to you that I had a good idea of what was going on prior to appointment and I'm very grateful for that.

Savvy_Sue

I've just had to re-read all this thread, DH is on those bio-whats-its for early onset osteoporosis, and I'm sure no-one's told him to keep dentally fit!

Fortunately he is, but still worth knowing ...

Toothsmith

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

I've just had to re-read all this thread, DH is on those bio-whats-its for early onset osteoporosis, and I'm sure no-one's told him to keep dentally fit!

Fortunately he is, but still worth knowing ...

It is a big problem Sue, and potentially a huge timebomb.

The dental consequences of being on these tablets long term don't seem to have trickled down to the lowley G.P. Dr!!

Bisphosphonates are hugely useful drugs for the problems they deal with, so I would never advise anyone to avoid them. It is very important, though, to get your teeth sorted out before the effects build up.

Generally, if it's just in tablet form, you'll not have any problems in the first 3 or 4 years. If you have a condition that equires I.V. bisphosphonates, try and get things sorted before treatment begins.

Careful_with_that_Axe

I am blessed with a womnderful GP Toothsmith. When I recently had a review (before seeing Consultant) and I was talking to him about the situation with my jaw, he pulled up my list of medications and immediately cursor went straight to Alendronic Acid. My GPs is an exceptional practice (they had the first Nurse Practitioner in the UK afaik) but it may be that info is trickling down.

I'm due for an increase in my steriods in a while and I suspect he will look at the pros and cons of being on these then. It's going to be a difficult decision for me whether to go back on them or not given the long-term high dose steroid use and a maternal history of osteoporosis, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Sue I hope this hasn't made you anxious about DH, but I would ensure that his Dentist knows that he takes this medication and is, therefore, aware of potential problems.

Just out of interest I'm keeping an eye on the outcome of the litigation cases in the States and I've sent the appropriate side-effect form off (from the back of the BNF).

Savvy_Sue

Toothsmith wrote: »

The dental consequences of being on these tablets long term don't seem to have trickled down to the lowley G.P. Dr!!

I wouldn't mind so much, but they are prescribed by the consultant (ALMOST the most patronising medic it's been my misfortune to come across!), or at least on his instructions. It's not the GP who's directly responsible this time.

Fortunately we are often seen by one of his minions, who vary from excellent to about as useful as that proverbial chocolate teapot ... We really liked the last one we saw, who admitted that interpreting test results was not always an exact science! :rotfl:

Toothsmith wrote: »

Bisphosphonates are hugely useful drugs for the problems they deal with, so I would never advise anyone to avoid them. It is very important, though, to get your teeth sorted out before the effects build up.

Generally, if it's just in tablet form, you'll not have any problems in the first 3 or 4 years. If you have a condition that equires I.V. bisphosphonates, try and get things sorted before treatment begins.

I'm not sure how long he's been on them, probably more than a year, but less than 2, and the good news is that his osteoporosis is improving. It was quite a few consultant visits before he decided DH ought to be on them, and it almost felt as if he'd overlooked prescribing them on previous visits. DH is doing all the other things he ought to, as well, taking extra calcium and doing weight bearing exercise. And the underlying problem is being treated as well, so what with one thing and another he might suggest coming off them next time we see someone.

DH is off to the dentist quite soon, and I've told him to tell the dentist, and TO START GOING TO THE HYGIENIST! :rotfl:

Careful_with_that_Axe

Found out the reason for the long delay with the biopsy. More Hospital in-fighting it would appear *sigh*.
The Oral Surgery Department want me to have Platelets before the biopsy as my blood doesn't clot well and the Rheumatologist is saying it isn't necessary - I happen to agree with the Rheumi. Just get on with it!:D