PreMeds Needed for Dental Care if you have Port?
I returned this morning from a dental appt where the hygienist refused to treat me because I had not taken antibiotics beforehand and I have a port. Both my oncologists told me that I did not need to take the meds.
Still, I was made to feel like an AIDs patient in the 80s; the dental staff was whispering, and clearly no one wanted to treat me. One hygienist asked, bluntly: "Did they get it in time?" And Joe and I both have been seeing this dentist and his staff for 10 years!
Just wondering if others have been required to take antibiotics due to a port...Thanks in advance for any responses.
Comments
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All I can think of
is that they may assume since you have a port you are actively on chemo, and don't want to take the risk.
I did go to my dentist to get checked out and make sure I didn't need any major work before any treatment, just to be on the safe side.
Sounds like they're uninformed in general based on the question the hygienist asked. Maybe they should speak directly to your oncologist.
Good luck.0 -
Did not have a port but I
Did not have a port but I did see the dentist after treatment. A couple years after and I had a gum infection. The dentist did a deep cleaning of the gums and did not ask if I had lymph nodes removed. I just was at another dentist last week and he didn't ask about it either and I had to have a crown prep done. I had 15 nodes removed. I was told not to get dental work done during treatment but after nothing was mentioned. Maybe they don't realize you're done?0 -
Here is one of there moments
Here is one of there moments that you always wish to have a snappy comeback. Like of course they got it in time otherwise I wouldn't be bothering to clean my teeth you twit. And the whispering and acting like idiots is unacceptable. I don't know anything about ports, chemo or even rads and dental visits but whatever the reason it should have been handled discreetly and in a way that only showed they concern for your health and safety.
When I went to my dentist just after my diagnosis and before my surgery, I asked if there would be any problems with cleanings, treatment etc. They told me that they would schedule everything before my surgery and that if I needed any dental work done during any cancer treatment, they would let me know what would need to be done, antibiotics, etc. They were wonderful. I have been seeing this dental group for over 25 years. A few hours after I got home, a florist delivered a beautiful arrangement and a lovely note from them. I stood there and cried, I was so touched by them. After 10 years, you should have received much better care. This makes me very angry. Nobody hurts Moopy.
Stef0 -
My rads oncologist gave me
My rads oncologist gave me antibiotics when I went to the dentist for a regular cleaning while I was having rad treatments. I never had a port or chemo. So sorry this happened to you Moopy.
Hugs0 -
Antibiotics before dental appts.fauxma said:Here is one of there moments
Here is one of there moments that you always wish to have a snappy comeback. Like of course they got it in time otherwise I wouldn't be bothering to clean my teeth you twit. And the whispering and acting like idiots is unacceptable. I don't know anything about ports, chemo or even rads and dental visits but whatever the reason it should have been handled discreetly and in a way that only showed they concern for your health and safety.
When I went to my dentist just after my diagnosis and before my surgery, I asked if there would be any problems with cleanings, treatment etc. They told me that they would schedule everything before my surgery and that if I needed any dental work done during any cancer treatment, they would let me know what would need to be done, antibiotics, etc. They were wonderful. I have been seeing this dental group for over 25 years. A few hours after I got home, a florist delivered a beautiful arrangement and a lovely note from them. I stood there and cried, I was so touched by them. After 10 years, you should have received much better care. This makes me very angry. Nobody hurts Moopy.
Stef
During chemo I lost one of the teeth in the front of my mouth so I had to go to the dentist.
I was given an rx for an antibiotic to take an hour before the procedure. I was told I needed to take it because of my port . I am angry too, that is just horrible and the nerve of someone asking you if you "got it in time". What an ignorant thing to say, you should of shook the persons hand and said no they didn't get it in time and my type of cancer is contagious. Someone that ignorant may have just believed you.Love Surf0 -
Thanks for bringing up this subject.survivorbc09 said:My rads oncologist gave me
My rads oncologist gave me antibiotics when I went to the dentist for a regular cleaning while I was having rad treatments. I never had a port or chemo. So sorry this happened to you Moopy.
Hugs
After my lumpectomy & node removal, I was scheduled for the port to be inserted, and expecting to begin chemo soon afterward. I was able to get an appointment with my dentist for exam & deep cleaning. Nothing was said about the node removal, or that I should have pre-meds even though I was getting a deep cleaning. Everything went well. That was in early August, and at the time I had them schedule me for a regular cleaning in December. I just received a reminder that the appointment is for the 9th. I didn't get chemo after all. I'm taking Femara and Zometa. With Zometa certain dental procedures should be avoided, so I called my oncologist to be sure it was safe, or if there was anything I needed to do first. He said a regular cleaning should be okay because it doesn't usually involve going to the bone. But I am still going to call the dentist tomorrow, and ask about the premeds, because I did have a number of nodes removed, and I do have the port that was intalled when chemo was in the plan. It still gets used for the Zometa. I'm glad this subject came up now, so I have ample time to prepare for next Wednesday.0 -
My rads oncologist wanted mem_azingrace said:Thanks for bringing up this subject.
After my lumpectomy & node removal, I was scheduled for the port to be inserted, and expecting to begin chemo soon afterward. I was able to get an appointment with my dentist for exam & deep cleaning. Nothing was said about the node removal, or that I should have pre-meds even though I was getting a deep cleaning. Everything went well. That was in early August, and at the time I had them schedule me for a regular cleaning in December. I just received a reminder that the appointment is for the 9th. I didn't get chemo after all. I'm taking Femara and Zometa. With Zometa certain dental procedures should be avoided, so I called my oncologist to be sure it was safe, or if there was anything I needed to do first. He said a regular cleaning should be okay because it doesn't usually involve going to the bone. But I am still going to call the dentist tomorrow, and ask about the premeds, because I did have a number of nodes removed, and I do have the port that was intalled when chemo was in the plan. It still gets used for the Zometa. I'm glad this subject came up now, so I have ample time to prepare for next Wednesday.
My rads oncologist wanted me to take them as a precaution just incase. Even with a regular cleaning, they could cut you if they have to do any scraping of your teeth, even if you do the water cleaning. And, your mouth leads to all of your lymph nodes. Mine didn't want to take even a millionth of a chance of me getting an infection or anything. And, as he said, they won't hurt anything to take them, but, if I got cut and didn't, it could. But, I am sure oncologist's vary on this.
Glad you feel better Moopy!0 -
Bless You for the Laughs and Support, Infofauxma said:Here is one of there moments
Here is one of there moments that you always wish to have a snappy comeback. Like of course they got it in time otherwise I wouldn't be bothering to clean my teeth you twit. And the whispering and acting like idiots is unacceptable. I don't know anything about ports, chemo or even rads and dental visits but whatever the reason it should have been handled discreetly and in a way that only showed they concern for your health and safety.
When I went to my dentist just after my diagnosis and before my surgery, I asked if there would be any problems with cleanings, treatment etc. They told me that they would schedule everything before my surgery and that if I needed any dental work done during any cancer treatment, they would let me know what would need to be done, antibiotics, etc. They were wonderful. I have been seeing this dental group for over 25 years. A few hours after I got home, a florist delivered a beautiful arrangement and a lovely note from them. I stood there and cried, I was so touched by them. After 10 years, you should have received much better care. This makes me very angry. Nobody hurts Moopy.
Stef
Stef and Surf, you both made me laugh aloud. I let these women take my joy, as RE would say, and break my spirit, at least temporarily. I wish I had your quick wit!
Thanks also, Survivorbc, and everyone who replied. I really appreciate the input and support.
Love,
Moopy who is no longer moping with a little help from her friends0 -
My Dr, harbinger of doom
My Dr, harbinger of doom that he was, made me keep my port in for an Effing Year ( my homage to Joe's description of a certain sandwich place!) after treatment ended; that means I had it in for 18 months! I had dental work done before treatment, and was on coumidin to prevent clotting while I had the port~ but no antibiotics for dental work. Is it time to find a new dentist??? Even if he is correct, and you should indeed either stop coumadin and/or take antibiotics prior to dental work, this staff has less than zero bedside manner!After the fight you have waged and won, I am thinking this particular place for teeth cleaning is maybe not where you need to be!
Hugs,
Chen♥0 -
Dear Moopy, you gorgeous
Dear Moopy, you gorgeous thing, you... (That's me on the far right holding my little sister in my picture.) I know nothing about antibiotics for dental work - if one has a port. I've taken antibiotics before cleanings for years because I have a heart murmur.
Just want to be superficial and catty and say that my ex-dentist was a cad (a rich, handsome cad) who is now wound around the finger of his many years younger blond receptionist/**** new wife. Kathryn, his first wife, began treatment for bc around the same time as my bc diagnosis. When I went for my last teeth cleaning at his office, the staff was very knowledgeable about dentistry and b/c because of Kathryn. The atmosphere was so thick with so much unsaid that I could no longer be comfortable there. He was my dentist for 14 years. Just commiserating. xoxoxoxo Lynn0 -
I cannot comment on port
however for lymph nodes I can.
I was told that due to lymph nodes removal several dental procedures required antibiotics, including
Root canal, complicated fillings, deep cleaning.
Regular cleaning and simple fillings do not required antibiotics.
I stayed away from dentist during Chemo, I cannot help with port question.0 -
Hey Moopylynn1950 said:Dear Moopy, you gorgeous
Dear Moopy, you gorgeous thing, you... (That's me on the far right holding my little sister in my picture.) I know nothing about antibiotics for dental work - if one has a port. I've taken antibiotics before cleanings for years because I have a heart murmur.
Just want to be superficial and catty and say that my ex-dentist was a cad (a rich, handsome cad) who is now wound around the finger of his many years younger blond receptionist/**** new wife. Kathryn, his first wife, began treatment for bc around the same time as my bc diagnosis. When I went for my last teeth cleaning at his office, the staff was very knowledgeable about dentistry and b/c because of Kathryn. The atmosphere was so thick with so much unsaid that I could no longer be comfortable there. He was my dentist for 14 years. Just commiserating. xoxoxoxo Lynn
My rads oncologist told me to get any dental work done prior to my rads or if I had it done during rads, he would prescribe an antibiotic for me. I did have my teeth cleaned before rads because I already had the appointment. I did let my dentist know that I had bc and that I was starting rads soon. They were extra special nice to me, which I appreciated. You certainly didn't deserve the treatment you got. I am so sorry that you got treated like that. Have Joe go beat them up!
Kristin ♥0 -
Things have changed....Moopy23 said:Bless You for the Laughs and Support, Info
Stef and Surf, you both made me laugh aloud. I let these women take my joy, as RE would say, and break my spirit, at least temporarily. I wish I had your quick wit!
Thanks also, Survivorbc, and everyone who replied. I really appreciate the input and support.
Love,
Moopy who is no longer moping with a little help from her friends
...and your Oncologist was right about not needing antibiotics before hand. I took them for 30yrs 1 hour before my dental appts due to a heart problem. The bacteria from my mouth could travel to my heart from under my gums as they are working and infect my heart & blood stream.
However, this year when I called my dentist for my cleaning before treatment and asked that they call my mega dose of antibiotics into the pharmacy, I was informed that it is no longer neccessary. Recent studies have showed no benefit and no greater risk than someone not taking antibiotics. He just came back from continual training and of course I was arguing with him!! He has been my dentist for 28yrs....so I trust him. And I'm still here!
These are the latest findings and dentist are encouraged to stop this antibiotic therapy. Now if you are actively going through chemo and have an emergancy, things may be different since your resistance is way down.
You can check with the American Dental Association on the current guidlines.
As for the other incident....feel free to stick chewing gum under their chairs for them to scrape off sometime down the road after it hardens....you'll be long gone & they will never suspect you....giggle.
♥Pammy0 -
I was told by my radiationKristin N said:Hey Moopy
My rads oncologist told me to get any dental work done prior to my rads or if I had it done during rads, he would prescribe an antibiotic for me. I did have my teeth cleaned before rads because I already had the appointment. I did let my dentist know that I had bc and that I was starting rads soon. They were extra special nice to me, which I appreciated. You certainly didn't deserve the treatment you got. I am so sorry that you got treated like that. Have Joe go beat them up!
Kristin ♥
I was told by my radiation oncologist that he would give me antibiotics if I had any dental work done. I called my dentist and he said yes, that he wanted me to be on something and if my rads oncologist didn't subscribe something for me that he would. I guess some oncologists and dentists vary on their opinion, but, like some of the others, I would rather be safe than sorry and not end up with an infection or something else.
I am so sorry that they treated you like that Moopy. It isn't right.
If Joe won't beat them up, want me to? lol
♠♣ Susie ♠♣
This is on webmd.com/oral-health
After two years, only high-risk patients may need to receive antibiotics for high-risk procedures.
Do any of these high-risk situations apply to you?
rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus or other medical conditions that cause you to be immunocompromised or immunosuppressed
immunosuppression caused by drug or radiation treatment
malnourishment
hemophilia
HIV infections
insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes
cancer
All patients in these high-risk categories may need antibiotics for all high-risk dental procedures.0 -
Hi Moopy
My sister is a dental hygienist. I called her and read your post to her and she couldn't believe it. She said that there had never been an advisory from the Dental Association concerning antibotics and ports. She said that she never questioned any one with a port and she treats them all the time.
She also said that they were very unprofessional in the way that they treated you and that you should report them to the American Dental Association for refusing to treat you and the way you were treated. Like she said this is a reflection on the whole dental profession.
I am so sorry that you were treated that way. I think we could add what the hygienist said to you to the stupid things said to us list.
Hugs
Jadie<30 -
My Dear Moopy....I think IMyTurnNow said:This makes me angry, too. I
This makes me angry, too. I can't believe the insensitivity of ignorant people!! I'll also volunteer to help in arse whooping. Just let me know when.
My Dear Moopy....I think I am going to contact the local police in your area and have those idiots arrested for "unsportsman like conduct"......or is that the National Football League. Anyway, what a bunch of idiots. Your port being in after treatment shouldn't cause you any harm when getting dental work done. My dentist appointment was one day following my last radiation treatment, and they did peridontal cleaning, as well as replace three crowns. To me, this is extensive dental work, and there was never any mention of antibiotics. Also, everyone in the office was aware of my bc treatment, and were so good to ask how I was doing, and offer any support they could. My dentist lives on the same lake we do, and when I had to be fitted for a nighttime mouth guard, he delivered it at 7:00 PM by boat so that I wouldn't have to wait until the next day to get relief. Now, you go tell your dentist where he can put those dental instruments of his, and find a dentist who knows how to treat someone who has been through what you have for the past year. There are good dentists out there, and believe me, you shouldn't look back on that experience and feel anything but sympathy for the members of the dental staff....they need a good lesson in proper manners. We love you, your port, and your spirit. P.S. If Joe doesn't go beat them up, let me know and I will send one of the "Bubba's" from East Texas. They will take care of the situation, and probably will enjoy every minute of it. Hugs.
Judy0
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