Imuran and dental work

Ellie27

Regular Member

Joined : Oct 2008

Posts : 119

Posted 10/24/2010 6:38 AM (GMT 0)

Hello everyone,

I have been on Imuran since Feb of this year. I scheduled myself to have a regular dental cleaning next month, November. It'll be the first time since I have been on this medication. Today I got scratched from my cat and it reminded me of how it takes longer for me to heal now...tiny scratches will take over a week-two weeks to heal..and that's with polysporin. Also I have noticed that occasionally I'll cut my gums while using dental floss and they'll bleed. That's new to me..but what's surprised me is how the cut will take weeks to heal. I tried something new the last time and actually put a bit of polysporin on my gums each night..maybe that's a bad thing to do, but it seemed to speed the healing quite a bit.

So here's my question: I've booked the dentist appointment and now I'm wondering if there's anyone else who's had dental work while being on this medication? I typed in Imuran and dental work on the good ol 'net and everything that I read tends to point that people on this mediction shouldn't have any work done while on this medication...I wonder how realistic that is. How many people actually don't have work done in their mouths while taking it? or is it really that serious that you shouldn't have dental work done? Just looking for other peoples take on the whole thing. Thanks so much in advance for your responses.

(= Ellie

redrose77

Veteran Member

Joined : Sep 2005

Posts : 2573

Posted 10/24/2010 12:04 PM (GMT 0)

I did fine.

Lynnwood

Forum Moderator

Joined : May 2005

Posts : 8160

Posted 10/24/2010 1:22 PM (GMT 0)

I had my regular cleaning while on Imuran. But I never noticed any long healing times with Imuran, either. There is a vitamin, I think it's B12, that helps with healing and I've been tking it ever since first being dx with lupus, so maybe that's a help?

Blue Wisteria

Regular Member

Joined : Sep 2010

Posts : 39

Posted 10/24/2010 4:19 PM (GMT 0)

I have been on this med for years....3 times a day: I do fine when I go to the dentist. Keep on flossing, your gums will get tougher and no more bleeding....enjoy your day...

Ginny

Veteran Member

Joined : Feb 2003

Posts : 5514

Posted 10/25/2010 1:46 AM (GMT 0)

You'll do fine. I've been on Imuran for 10 years and I go to the dentist every 6 months. Make sure they know (in advance of your appointment) that you are on it. They might prescribe an antibiotic for you to take right before your cleaning. It's for precautionary measures. Nothing serious.

Ellie27

Regular Member

Joined : Oct 2008

Posts : 119

Posted 10/25/2010 4:16 AM (GMT 0)

Thank-you everyone for your reassurance and letting me gain from your experience. I also appreciate the advice for letting them know in advance..hadn't thought of that. It does concern me a bit with the healing times as I really do notice quite a difference in how long it takes for little scrapes to heal..the longer healing times on my gums also has nothing to do with poor dental hygiene. I always floss, everyday, and have for many many years..but now this year is the first that they've bled..and then take up to two weeks to heal..they'll stay red and a bit tender where I cut them..just made me cautious.

As for B12 I will have to ask my doctor about that, or a pharmacist..I like the idea of a vitamin that could possibly help with the healing..it'd be better than always using polysporin..I've got enough drugs to give my body. Thanks again everyone.

Lynnwood

Forum Moderator

Joined : May 2005

Posts : 8160

Posted 10/25/2010 1:22 PM (GMT 0)

Actually, it's C, not B12, I had it wrong -- I had to count pills last night & looked it up -

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