Cirrhosis Support Group

We have covered just about every topic there is to discuss and that is awesome! I have a question though this one I have not seen covered teeth? I have several root canals that are now going bad, I spent $$$$$$

moocho bucks on these teeth and find they are all rotting out. Now would it be from the meds I think so?

What does one do I am sincerely considering getting all but the front teeth pulled and partials put in because it now cost almost $2,000.00 for one root canal with a crown vs extractions cheaper..... Dentures $1,000.00

Pain horrible!!!!!

Just wondering???? Cheryl

Post edited by: iwiham1027, at: 05/02/2011 10:44 AM

Cheryl,

Beleive it or not we have talked about this to some degree.

Dental problems are so common with Cirrhosis Patients because your liver doesn't metabolize the nutrients you need any more also because of hormonal changes and toxin build up,(Remember that ammonia is not the only toxin that the liver clears, Bacterias often produce toxins.)Your immune system is also compromised increasing the risk for infections.

During transplant evaluations you will have to have your teeth taken care of. Either pulled or fixed. Most patients that I know of choose dentures.

You will need current lab work and a dentist that is comfortable with high risk patients. Mostly because of the increase risk of bleeding. Many require you to take antibiotics in advance of having them pulled.

I hope this helps.

Gail

Cheryl I am there with you, as usual. I had another tooth extracted a couple of months ago. Beforehand I stopped taking a medication that was known to cause bleeding. My oral surgeon is the best (the one who laid me off but nonetheless he is an awesome surgeon.) He was very careful and I had no bleeding. If I have any further problems, they will be extracted too. Let me know what area you are in by pm and I will ask for referral from my doctor, they all know each other from conferences, etc.

Regarding the antibiotics mentioned by Gail, not only do the dental people want it, but also, after the transplant, it's a requirement before any dental work. 4 amoxicillan 1 hour before dental work, at least for me. Going for my permanent crown next Monday. You may recall I had the temp put on in January, but then got involved in something else.

Thanks everyone that is what I thought, its getting rather old having all these root canals and crowns done. I think I will opt for the dentures as well teeth are starting to hurt and I am aware of the antibiotic before hand. I also have 2 impacted wisdom teeth and have put it off for almost two years now seems to be the right time for all this to take place and U of M continues to call weekly and now wants another MRI at there facility. I have no idea as to why there because they had already sent for the disc and had it read there? We shall see what is on the agenda next. May 9th I see the endocronologist for the adenoma on the adrenal gland always something will let you know again thanks. Cheryl

I recently went to the dentist for a cleaning and he said I had a tooth in the back that was just out there by itself since I had had the tooth in front of it pulled and he said he would suggest pulling it too. No cavities. I told him I really didn't want to have anything done that wasn't necessary because of the cirrhosis. He said he didn't see why I was concerned. The doctors here seem so unconcerned about cirrhosis as a diagnosis and don't even consider it in the treatment of their patients unless that is their primary reason for admission to the hosp.

Hi Allaboutlife, Wow my Doctors insist on a regular basis that all things are up to date which includes, paps smears, mamograms, Ultra sounds, CT Scans, MRI's, Dentist and also eye visits. Not to mention vacines and also yearly checks with specialists, like gastro, heart, lungs, ect.... Its a constant thing. I guess because I had liver failure once they want me to keep on top of things in case. I know some of these things are standard but am not sure about the rest. Cheryl

allaboutlife,

You know your body better than any of us.

With that said , Do you know your labs, INR , Platelet count?

If your INR is high or your platelets are low you are at risk for excessive bleeding.

That alone is reason enough to check before dental work.

If your dentist isn't concerned about causing you further health issues find one that is. It's important to guard against infections because even a simple infection can cause your liver disease to become acute and Dental work is know to increase the risk to immune compromised patients.

I do know all my labs, 3 month's worth, MRI, CT, INR and platelet count before any surgery were to ever take place its would be blood work first and antibiotics is a must. I learned from when my husband got his done he got severe pnemonia right after he has his teeth removed not taking that chance. Thanks so much for your concern and your post.

Cheryl

Cheryl,

I'm sorry if you thought I was referring to you.

My post was meant for allabotulife whose dr. didn't see the need for concern