Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Last time I got dental work the dentists worked with my Rheumy, they made me go off my Enbrel for over 3 weeks. I was in a bunch of pain but I got the work done (wisdom teeth removed) and started right back up on my meds after about a week.

I recently had gingival flap surgery. Gums were cut open, an infection removed, stitched back up. I was allowed to continue my MTX. It was recommended I go off but it was up to me. I went off for an infection once for 3 weeks and went into my first flare. I chose to stay on it and di not have any problems. I healed quickly and well.
Best of luck to you!

I feel much better now. Thank you both for those! I remember that, Kate. And, TRS, wow ... I see my RD today for an h1n1 vaccination, so I will let her know. Thanks again!

Very good question. I've put off some dental work for fear of infection with my immune system lowered by meds, but I really need to move forward. I'm such a coward!

-Caroline

I'm so flippin lucky another lump formed where the last one was! My WBC is not elevated so I don't think I have an infection....but then that makes me wonder if there was an infection there at all....I don't want to go back to this periodontist because he is ripping me off! I got the procedure precertified and I was only supposed to pay $250 out of pocket. During the procedure he said he was doing something else but not to worry- it was a blue light special- free. Then he jerked around with what he sent into the ins. company taking money off the procedures he sent in for pre cert and adding the "free" procedure. Well they paid for the "free" service and then I maxed out on what should have been covered and now I supposedly owe $700! Now the lump is back and my teeth NEVER stopped hurting!

oh that is aweful, thinks! I have had some nightmare dental stories as well. Bistro, I just had some work done and the only problem that my dentist was having is that he had to give me more numbing pain reliever ( if that makes sense) than usual. I have a high tolerance to pain because of the RA, but for some reason my body wasn't taking the shots easily in the mouth. They wore off fast. Maybe it is because my body has developed a tollerance to so many meds. After all, it took 3 years and 4 different biologics before my body finally accepted one! Also, if you ask me, I think that all the drugs that I have taken have played a part in my dental health. I take good care of my teethe, they just have had problems since I have had RA.

Oh My Goodness.
TRS, that stinks! Is it too late to call him out on it and get it corrected?
I really think, either way, these people are like lawyers and all business people who are out to steal as much from your wallet as they can (ok, not all - some, a lot). I could keep getting new crowns, this will cost me about 500 each time. So, 8 times and I've paid for the for implant. Hm, a new crown sounds better already.
That is a crime what happened to you! You're out the money AND still have a problem. Ah! And he even said to me they don't always work .. well great.
Xanadu, thanks. I'm on the verge of getting false teeth and being done with it. But I'm like you, and most of my teeth are in great shape. What a pain.

I also had my ingrown back tooth surgically removed and was told to skip one dose of Mtx. Now that I am on Enbrel, when I cut my Finger he told me to skip, until my finger healed. I think we are more prone for infection. Good Luck to you.
bigi

I just wrote another letter spelling it all out for the doctor. The dental ins. office said he should resubmit as he did for the pre cert and list the free treatment as free. I said if he would prefer to just refund my over payment I would be just as happy. (Already pd. him $400) If he refuses I plan to file a grievance. I have in writing him telling me he did say it was free but had to put in on the claim. So he adjusted the services he did and added the "free" treatment as a $600 charge.

thinksRAstinks,

that sucks! So sorry to hear about all that!

Xanadu, it's true that RA can affect your teeth and gums. very unfortunate. the enzymes i take do help with this.

Bistro, do you know what your implant will be made of? Most "metal" implants or "silver" are actually made of mercury which will continually poison your system and make your RA worse. If you can upgrade to ceramic, it's worth it. also, go to the best dentist you can, the wrong dentist can really screw up your teeth. best of luck to you,
Sarah