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Experiences with tooth problems concurrent with Zometa treatments

Posted by mdr3 @mdr3, Mar 13, 2022

I have one more Zometa infusion in June (completing 3 recommended years). I have some serious tooth issues. One lower tooth broke at the root and upon x-ray discovered that the entire bottom row has an issue in each tooth. Had no problems until I had Covid in Feb. Now the broken area and the tooth next to it are unbearable. Oncologist said not to have tooth treatment for 6 mos. because of Zometa. Anyone else have experience with dental work while on bisphosphonates? My usual oral surgeon won't touch me; didn't care if I had had one dose or 10 of Zometa.

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carolmc | @carolmc | Mar 12 11:57pm

I had all my dental work done one year ago prior to starting Zometa. Today the dentist found 9 teeth needing crowns with numerous gum line cavities plus 5 teeth needing extracting. I have only been on the Zometa less than a year. I noticed my teeth getting brownish over the last few months. I think that after less than a year and this much tooth decay in this short of time leads me to think dentures might be a good choice. I have concerns the decay may continue and work now is only a temporary fix.

REPLY
sally484 | @sally484 | Feb 14 9:54am
In reply to @semurrey "I'm almost 60 yrs old and had my first Zometa infusion this past October 2024 and..." + (show)
@semurrey

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

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My two front teeth are crowns and I now look like a beaver! They are moving forward.........actually all my teeth are moving. My back molars feel like boulders and my tongue is sore from hitting them when I try to talk. My bottom front teeth are no longer straight. They go "in" and "out." I have 2 more Zometa infusions left...................I don't think I'll be taking those!!

REPLY
sally484 | @sally484 | Feb 13 7:46am
In reply to @semurrey "I'm almost 60 yrs old and had my first Zometa infusion this past October 2024 and..." + (show)
@semurrey

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

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My two front teeth are crowns and I am taking the Zometa infusions. I have about 2 left and don't think I will continue. It has affected the bone in my jaw and my crowns are coming away from my gums. My bottom teeth (which used to be perfectly straight) are now completely crooked. My bite is off and my one back molar hits my tongue and makes is very sore in one spot. I've had enough! I used to have a pretty smile...............not so much anymore and I'm very self concious.

REPLY
carolmc | @carolmc | Feb 12 8:20pm
In reply to @colely "Tums should NEVER be taken as a calcium supplement. If you need calcium, please take a..." + (show)
@colely

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.

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I realize that now and I will be telling him that on my next visit. Thanks for the reply. We need to band together.

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colely | @colely | Feb 12 4:44pm
In reply to @carolmc "My doctor recommended one year of Zometa infusions done once per month. I'm on Verzenio and..." + (show)
@carolmc

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.

Jump to this post

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.

REPLY
1 reply
sally484 | @sally484 | Feb 12 10:27am
In reply to @colleenyoung "I'm tagging fellow members @ellerbracke @trixie1313 @oilermama @schmeeckle64 @mhsosa who have experience with Zometa, some who..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

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?

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I took Zometa infusions and now my teeth are all crooked. I have 2 crowns in the front that need replaced and can't get them fixed as I want to get the Invisalign to straighten out my top and bottom teeth. I also take Exemestane which I am now reading causes teeth problems too. I guess AI's go hand in hand with all of that. I wish I had known all this beforehand.

REPLY
carolmc | @carolmc | Feb 11 2:51pm

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.

REPLY
1 reply
segm | @semurrey | Feb 8 6:41pm
In reply to @ssmab "Hi Sue Ellen, I had 3 crowns this past year, I also had 2 crowns the..." + (show)
@ssmab

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. ❤️

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Thx SO much for sharing! You’ve helped calm my anxiety as feel I can’t wait 3 yrs for the crowns and hoping to help preserve tooth a bit longer! I do know from previous crowns that there is a risk of cracking tooth if the tooth is shaved too much to set up for crown but I’m sure my prosthodontist wouldn’t attempt if he thought this might happen! I’m so upset with myself for taking care of this earlier but didn’t think I’d be on Zometa! Again thx you so much for sharing! I’ll keep ya posted! Xoxo

REPLY
ssmab | @ssmab | Feb 8 5:22pm
In reply to @semurrey "I'm almost 60 yrs old and had my first Zometa infusion this past October 2024 and..." + (show)
@semurrey

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

Jump to this post

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. ❤️

REPLY
1 reply
segm | @semurrey | Feb 8 10:48am
In reply to @ssmab "Yes @brighterdays, my Oncologist also said that women who have had breast cancer and have been..." + (show)
@ssmab

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 ❤️

Jump to this post

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

REPLY
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