Dental implants

I have Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia and need to have a tooth extracted.I have had an implant before but his was before I was diagnosed. I’m know considering having another one to replace the tooth that’s being extracted. I’m just wondering if anyone has had one done or has been told it wasn’t suitable for blood cancer patients. I contacted a CNS regarding the extraction and what precautions should be taken but never thought to ask about the implant. I am now waiting for her to get back to me. Any experiences with dental implants would be helpful thanks.

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Morning @AnnD. I’d be really interested to hear others experiences in this. I know I will need dental treatment in the future so this is a question I’ll have to ask at some point. Please let us know what your CNS nurse says X

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Hello@AnneD.My brother had implants following surgery and chemotherapy for Non Hodgkins Lymphoma.This was post treatment and he’s remained well after 30 plus years,although he is still monitored and remains well.
I’ve had implants before my diagnosis of MGUS and had a week of antibiotics pre procedure which is standard and cordosyl mouthwash .
Perhaps ask your Implant Surgeon for advice on this if there is any risk as you would be answering pre op questions.
Good Luck
Bannanacake

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Hi @AnnD I was diagnosed with Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in 2003 and been on watch and wait ever since.
I had multiple tooth infections and in 2006 my dentist said that he knew his limitations, my hospital also wouldn’t touch me and my dentist referred me to a specialist dentist.
He said with Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) he would not consider anything invasive (like an implant) removed multiple teeth and fitted me with upper and lower dentures
The procedure was done in conjunction with my haematologist and GP with antibiotics before, during and after the extractions.
The dentures did take a while to get used to but they are just part of my life now.
I have had no trouble with my teeth since until I broke one of my teeth during lockdown and had it filled this week.
This is just my experience though.
Please let us know how you get on and I also look forward to hearing from others.

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Thank you all for your replies. Seems as if everyone has slightly different experiences, but then we are all individuals.
My CNS rang me this morning, after having spoken with a consultant. They don’t think there is any reason why I shouldn’t have one with the proviso that I get a blood tests done before the extraction and the implant. They will then check them and and give me the all clear or not. They just want to check blood clotting and platelets. Also of course to make sure I get the antibiotic coverage.
So looks to be a long job. First thing is to get a ct scan done so they can see how much bone I have in my jaw and go from there and keep fingers crossed.
I have been going to a new dentist, he looks very young but then everyone looks young to me these days!
It the dentist who wanted me to check with the hospital before going ahead. I’ll see what he says on Monday. Thanks again.

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Yes, all dentists look young to me too @AnnD
However it sounds as if he gave you good advice.
I went back to work with a face that was black and blue, my employers wouldn’t let me see members of the public !!!
Please let us know how you get on and I lived on tinned custard and ice cream.
The first solid food I had was fish and chips at the Henley Regatta, it was absolutely agony to eat it, but I was determined to.
I won’t even dare ask the cost involved.
Look after yourself

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Sounds like your team are amazing and making sure everything is checked beforehand. That must put your mind at rest :blush:

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Dear @AnnD, I am really glad you got to speak to your treatment team about this. It is usually fine to go ahead with dental work if you have stable and safe blood counts. Usually the dentist would like a copy of the blood counts too just to be on the safe side and for documentation. It does sound like you are all sorted so the best of luck with the implant. Kind regards Gemma

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I have Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and this literally became my dilemma 2 weeks ago! In the end, I opted for a crown (one a back tooth) as the dentist was least keen to extract full and insert an implant. He said he would do it, but he’d need to write to my consultant, get recent blood test results, put me on antibiotics for 10 days (and I had only just come off my 3rd course this year for other infections) and weighing it all up, both of us agreed it was too much of a risk.
So, I had the temporary crown work done and 24 hours later I was back on morphine sulphate as it triggered my trigeminal neuralgia! I also got a gum infection, so needed antibiotics anyway! Fortunately, all calmed down now and I have a lovely white crown and Tegretol, morphine and co-odamol paracetamol are controlling the TN.
Good luck whatever decision you make!

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Gosh @SpaceAngel that sounds a horrible experience, look after yourself

Oh SpaceAngel it sounds as if you went through a lot! Unfortunately I already have a crown on this tooth, which unfortunately has broken! I had root canal work done on it some years ago but still have pain in the tooth, not unbearable by any means but something I could do without. I’ll just have to take it step by step and see what happens. Good luck to you

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Wish I knew who my team were now Nichola75!
Never know who I’m talking to, don’t recognise any of the names now at all, seem to talk to someone different everytime!

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I like knowing who I’m talking to! It throws me if I get anybody different!

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Hi Bananacake

Do you know if you’re brother had any bone grafting done when he had his implant?

Ann

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Hi @AnnD, I dont know but i can ask ,no problem.When I had mine 3 at the back I had a gum graft build up the sides, was a bit of a palava but it worked out ok .
If that helps .
Bannanacake

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Hello@AnnD,in response to your ?
My Brother remembers the subject of bone graft being mentioned but he cant remember if he had one its quite a few years now !
Bannanacake

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Thanks anyway Bananacake

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I have Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) at watch and wait stage - signed off by consultant back to care of GPs and no other specialist support offered. I am interested in the topic of dental implants as this is an option I am considering and obviously I am weighing up any risks and whether using my savings for this is sensible. The implant dentist has raised the question of risk when Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) a factor with his dental forum and the view seemed to be that there is a risk factor but no contraindication that it should not be considered. In any event I need three extractions and without implants will either need a lower partial denture (something I tried and failed with in the past) or I have to manage with the teeth left! I don’t expect a definitive answer but any updates from this previous conversation would be of interest. I have confidence in the dental teams as I am now going privately and given more time in consultations and without any pressure to make a decision and with three levels of treatment to consider so do not feel under duress to go for implants (it’s much easier when you have no choice!)

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Hi @Lulu1221
I will copy what I posted before

‘I was diagnosed with Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)) in 2003 and been on watch and wait ever since.
I had multiple tooth infections and in 2006 my dentist said that he knew his limitations, my hospital also wouldn’t touch me and my dentist referred me to a specialist dentist.
He said with Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)) he would not consider anything invasive (like an implant) removed multiple teeth and fitted me with upper and lower dentures
The procedure was done in conjunction with my haematologist and GP with antibiotics before, during and after the extractions.
The dentures did take a while to get used to but they are just part of my life now.
I have had no trouble with my teeth since until I broke one of my teeth during lockdown and had it filled this week.
This is just my experience though.’

10 + yrs later I am pleased with my decision, however the dentures are not the same as having teeth, and I am lucky that my denture teeth are at the sides, but this is purely my experience, so I am being no help to you really with your decision making.
You also say that you have not got on with a denture before.
Yes, I am no good with decisions either.
Please let us know what you decide and how you get on.
Look after yourself it is a big decision to make.

Thanks Erica, I had read your post but appreciate your interest in helping me. The GP I spoke to today on another issue said she couldn’t advise and to trust the dentist’s advice so basically it’s my decision on whether to spend the big bucks and hope for better long term outcome or compromise in the hope private dentures are a better fit than NHS ones! I guess I am wondering if the skills of dentists and implant specialists have developed in the 10 years since your dental work but perhaps someone with more recent experience will respond. As I said previously, I have no access to Haematology and have to rely on the GPs, although the one who phoned me today did refer to someone in haematology on the main reason for call - a slight increase in white cell blood count -and came back to me with an appointment for a second blood test tomorrow. The recent tests come following a reaction to my 4th Covid 19 booster.

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