Oral LP - first upcoming periodontist cleaning

Oh man. Mushrooms? I love mushrooms. I'll definitely watch for a connection between the two. Thanks.

@bebold I love mushrooms too! And do you know a lot of vegetarian/vegan foods have mushrooms added to them? I have to read the ingredients list on everything I buy!

It’s too complicated to explain that connection to anyone, especially when ordering food at restaurants and takeout places, so now I just say I have an allergy or sensitivity to mushrooms! That makes servers more careful - and my mouth happier!

@fdixon63 no, I don’t see your reply at my end either. The reason I asked is because Prolia can cause jaw necrosis if you have invasive dental work or surgery while on it, and it is recommended you wait several months after having quit Prolia before getting any dental work.

I quit taking Prolia after my first injection because I heard and read so many stories about its negative impact on your bones … people developing spinal fractures, jaw necrosis (which alarmed me the most because of my Oral Lichen Planus), etc. my last bone scan a year ago only showed the same level of cervical stenosis which I have lived with for several years anyway. Haven’t had any broken bones and I am now 78. 🤞🏼

@bebold I forgot to answer your question about health insurance.

I am in Canada and I believe any dental work or oral surgery is not covered under our government health plan (although since this Fall very limited dental work - e.g. just check ups and cleaning - is now covered for seniors and people in a low income bracket) but in a hospital’s dental clinic our health insurance covered it … or perhaps I paid just a portion of the cost. I can’t remember, as it was five or more years ago …

Jaw necrosis is the same reason I won't do ketamine for CRPS.

Of all the things that can go wrong in your body, losing your bottom jaw and ending up with a G tube and breathing out of your neck I can't think of much worse.

I'm good with skipping these new meds with such dangerous side effects. It's bad enough when it's written in tiny print red really quickly on a TV ad, but when it's also in big bold print, I pay attention.

Thanks for that info. I had never heard of that drug and esp its side effects. Jaw necrosis is always more likely with poor dentition.

Jaw necrosis--hmmmm. My jaw was broken when I was 14. I still think about it when I have any dental work or surgery where they have to intubate me. Faye

A broken jaw at 14. I can't imagine. 💜

Whew. The Periodontal cleaning was yesterday and although there was pain, I did OK and will go back. I think my hygienist made a big difference. I explained that because of my lung condition, when I'm laid back I might cough. Of course, I did so she raised me back up and said to take my time. I had been required to pay for a session of instructions on how to properly care for my teeth and gums. This included an electric toothbrush. I almost rebelled on that but am sorry I kept quiet. I've used one for 30+ years and had one on hand. I used the new one this morning and I think it will be great. It has three speeds and I started with the lowest. It had the gentleness that I need. Didn't mean to go on and on. Just hate I wasted so much time dreading the appointment. The bible says, "be anxious for nothing."
Faye

Hi Faye, I'm glad it went easier than you feared. I'm sorry you were so anxious too and on this thread, you brought many of us with OLP together do I'm glad you brought your angst here! Nothing wasted here esp if talking about it helped!
So, I'm curious to what they said re: how this will help OLP. Are they saying or insinuating dental care has anything to do with causing it?? or better care now cpuld help you save your teeth.

Or maybe both. Its an autoimmune disorder AND mich better than average home tooth care is required.

I think switching to my sonar toothbrush and waterpick has made all the difference in the world for me. Glad its in the rearview mirror.
It cost extra for instruction? Did they say anything spectacular you could share? Thanks so much. Be.

Gosh, hope I can answer all these questions BeBold. I'll try. First, yes I think it did help to talk about my fears of going to the periodontist. My history with the profession was not a good one. It was a lot of years ago and with a different practice. Things change, right? As far as helping OLP--NO they were not saying my dental care caused the OLP but I knew going in that keeping your teeth and gums as clean as possible helps in keeping OLP in check. There was no discussion on saving my teeth but I think we can put two and two together. For me, when my gums get tender from the OLP I back off what is necessary to keep my gums and teeth clean. It just hurts!! I was going for cleanings twice a year in the past but then I was going 3 times a year and just this past year I decided to go every 3 months. I'll alternate between the regular dental office and the periodontist. I'm willing to do what I can to save what teeth I have left. The periodontist goal is to get the OLP under control and see if there is a way he can do 3 implants to hold a full upper denture in place. I've been told by oral surgeon as well as my reg. dentist that my bones and gums are not strong enough to wear an upper denture. I've been using an Oral B (less expensive one) toothbrush with soft bristle heads for many years. The periodontist included, along with the instruction, an Oral B (3 speed) electric toothbrush. I could not believe how much better it was for me. I was able to brush longer without pain. Overall, I'm very encouraged. Before I forget, he started me on Dexamethasone rinse to use four times a day from the first visit a few months ago. Swish, spit and rinse out with water. It seems to be helping somewhat. Yes, there was a cost for instruction and I don't know of anything that I had not heard before. It did bring it fresh to my mind though. Hope I covered everything. Thanks for your response. These conversations mean we care about each other. It means a lot.