Experiences with tooth problems concurrent with Zometa treatments

I have been on Zometa for 8 months. I had metastatic breast cancer and went went through chemo and radiation ending in 2022. I changed my oncologist after some questionable issues with the other, like holding off Anastrazole for 6 months after surgery and some other questionable actions. The new oncologist found lesions on my sacrum, iliac and femur. It was tested and found to be the metastatic breast cancer. My oncologist added Verzenio to my treatment plan. My ctDNA immediately dropped and after having one dental issue done, started me on Zometa. I have been on that for 8 months now and am having issues with my teeth deteriorating, my fingernails being super fragile. For my age, 78, I'm still active. However, my concern is what is causing my teeth to start deteriorating? Does anyone have similar issues?

Yes @brighterdays, my Oncologist also said that women who have had breast cancer and have been on on Zometa have a higher 10 year survival rate. I will have my second infusion in October and I am making sure to drink a lot of water the day of the infusion and I will be telling myself over and over during the infusion that Zometa will help me and it will not harm me. I had 3 spinal compression fractures last fall right about the same time as my bc diagnosis and they are the pits. A good PT does help tremendously but it's just something you continue to deal with. Sending love and healing wishes to all ❤️

I'm almost 60 yrs old and had my first Zometa infusion this past October 2024 and due for my next one in April 2025 (every 6 months). Taking Letrozole for 2 yrs put me into Osteoporois (invasive lobular cancer - lumpectomy, radiation completed in January 2023). I now need about four crowns to protect old filling that have cracks - I was told having crowns is NOT a risk while on Zometa and my Prosthodontist is very cautious - I want to avoid treatment for a total crack in my tooth - now after reading many comments I am very nervous about having even a crown while on Zometa. Have you gals had a crown while on Zometa? I already had sensitive teeth -and suffer from TMJ as a grinder but have a very good mouthguard I wear nightly which has really helped. Any advice welcome...xooxox

Hi Sue Ellen,
I had 3 crowns this past year, I also had 2 crowns the year before my breast cancer and the Zometa infusions. I still have 2 more Zometa infusions till I complete all 6. Infusions. So far I haven't had any problems with the crowns. I had so many silver fillings over the years in all of my molars and those are the teeth that have needed crowns. I am 72 so those fillings were there a long time. I am not a person who grinds my teeth tho so that is a different issue. After praying everyday to stay in remission and to stay well, I do tell myself that Zometa is helping me and it is not hurting me. I hope that is helping too.
Wishing the best for you with your dental issues and sending you love and wellness wishes. ❤️

I'm tagging fellow members @ellerbracke @trixie1313 @oilermama @schmeeckle64 @mhsosa who have experience with Zometa, some who took precautions with dental work or experienced issues with their teeth.

@mdr3, what does this mean for you? Will you stop Zometa infusions in order to have dental work done or wait 6 months after your last infusion in June? What do your oncologist and oral surgeon suggest? Are they coordinating together?

My doctor recommended one year of Zometa infusions done once per month. I'm on Verzenio and my understanding is that it can cause bone density issues. I see there are so many variations on how often these infusions are given that it puzzles me. I had a bone density test done sometime before I started the infusions and was slightly into osteopenia. There's been so many different things that it sometimes gets confusing. I appreciate all your replies. It's good to have those of you going through something similar and hear your thoughts. This has been a long journey and those who have not been around anyone going through it lack the understanding to assist.
My doctor also told me to take one Tums daily for 1000 mg of calcium. A nephrologist warned me beforehand that is way too much and it would start plugging everything up. My last MRI showed increased atherosclerosis in my abdomen. My oncologist wasn't concerned but I am. After starting Tums, my ctDNA that had been at or near zero suddenly spiked up to 14. He wasn't concerned, but again I was. I wondered if the Tums could have been affecting my absorption of the Verzenio by altering my stomach acid. So, I cut the Tums out and my next ctDNA result was down to 5.8 in 6 weeks. In about a month, I'll see where it is.
I'm due for a bone and CT scan in a few weeks and hoping the atherosclerosis is not worse.
Just putting it out there in case anyone else has had similar experiences.

Tums should NEVER be taken as a calcium supplement. If you need calcium, please take a reputable brand of Calcium Citrate. You don't absorb calcium taking it in Tums form. Your doctor needs to stop telling their patients that information. Information is right online about it.

I'm almost 60 yrs old and had my first Zometa infusion this past October 2024 and due for my next one in April 2025 (every 6 months). Taking Letrozole for 2 yrs put me into Osteoporois (invasive lobular cancer - lumpectomy, radiation completed in January 2023). I now need about four crowns to protect old filling that have cracks - I was told having crowns is NOT a risk while on Zometa and my Prosthodontist is very cautious - I want to avoid treatment for a total crack in my tooth - now after reading many comments I am very nervous about having even a crown while on Zometa. Have you gals had a crown while on Zometa? I already had sensitive teeth -and suffer from TMJ as a grinder but have a very good mouthguard I wear nightly which has really helped. Any advice welcome...xooxox

I'm almost 60 yrs old and had my first Zometa infusion this past October 2024 and due for my next one in April 2025 (every 6 months). Taking Letrozole for 2 yrs put me into Osteoporois (invasive lobular cancer - lumpectomy, radiation completed in January 2023). I now need about four crowns to protect old filling that have cracks - I was told having crowns is NOT a risk while on Zometa and my Prosthodontist is very cautious - I want to avoid treatment for a total crack in my tooth - now after reading many comments I am very nervous about having even a crown while on Zometa. Have you gals had a crown while on Zometa? I already had sensitive teeth -and suffer from TMJ as a grinder but have a very good mouthguard I wear nightly which has really helped. Any advice welcome...xooxox