Dental problems due to disease and medications

Well, I went to the dentist today because I had part of 2 different fillings fall out and thought that i would be in and out with a couple of new fillings. Instead, I left his office set up with an appointment for 2 root canals and possibliy a third one depending on how a antibiotic filling works over the weekend. I have noticed that my teeth were more sensitive since I started all of the Crohn''s medications, but did not realize the damage that has been taking place over the past 4 years. I was on a huge dose of remicade for over 3 1/2 years and steroids for the past six months. Of couse during those 3 1/2 years I was also on and off steroids and other medications to supplement the remicade. about a year ago, my Rheumy diagnosed me with steroid induce osteoporosis and vitamin D deficieny. I was then prescribed fosomax and boniva many different times. You would think that because the fosomax and boniva are for stengthening the bone, that they would also be good for your teeth, but I learned today that these medications are extremely damaging on the teeth. My dentist also mentioned that the prednisone and the immunosuppressants also can damage your teeth. I had very little pain in the teeth, but did have a sore jaw alot, but I attributed that to arthritis.
Anyways, I know that this has turned more into a rant, but I just wanted to get the warning out to everyone to really make sure that you keep up on your teeth. I know that I have not been going for my regular 6 month checkups because I was so involved with keeping up with my other doctors and health situations. If I would have gone in sooner, I could be avoiding all of this. My dentist did part of the root canal on one tooth and fill another, and now I am in pain. He mentioned that due to the lack of stength in my teeth right now, the fillings are more easily dislodged. When the 2 that fell out occurred, I was just flossing with those disposable flossers. I just happen to feel a little bit of the filling in my mouth and was shocked when I looked in the mirror and saw a huge hole in one of my teeth. Hopefully, this message will prompt or remind everyone to go get checkup for bone density and also keep up with your checkups. This disease depletes us of so many vitamins and nutrients and it ususally takes a long time before we realize that something may be happening.

I have had horrible teeth ever since my diagnosis. I have crowns on just about every tooth in my mouth now. Thank God for that because I wouldn't have teeth otherwise. Luckily for me I have dental insurance and a dentist who just takes what the insurance pays for his fees.

I new that the pred could do bone damage because i am diagnosed with osteopenia, but never thought about it doing damage to my teeth. I am scared of the dentist and have only been in once when i was 15. I guess I should make an appointment soon :)

I never had a cavity til after my Dx and pred. I told my dentist about that, but she said the pred wouldn't be the cause because my teeth were already formed. Fooey.

HOw many teeth did you have pulled at once? Were you sedated? How long did it take to recover from the pain and get use to the dentures. Did you have to have shots in your gums to numb them prior to the extractions... I'm very scared with a very low tolerance to pain. I know that I should just get them all pulled and wear dentures but I can't seem to get past the fear.

In the last 5 years I have been having problems with my teeth also. I have been on pred for 29 years, but when I really noticed the problem was after being on methotrexate. My dentist said she see's this all the time with patients on chemo. It reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth and therefore cavities at the gum line will start. Everytime I turn around I have chipped a tooth or lost a filling. Recently had to have a tooth pulled because it broke below the gum line, luckily it was a back tooth. I go to the dentist every 6 months and have for years. This is definately a concern.

Happy flossing,
Julia