Diagnosed with Breast Cancer and Taking Zometa IV: Can I Proceed with Dental Implant Treatment?

posted in Dental Implant Contraindications, Patient Questions on Dental Implants, advice

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Mrs. D., a dental implant patient, asks:
I am an elderly female patient who is treatment planned for a maxillary full-arch implant supported fixed partial denture. I have already had 8 implants placed in my maxilla. I was just diagnosed with breast cancer and my oncologist wants me to take Zometa IV every 6 months for 3 years. I am currently wearing a maxillary complete denture that covers my implants in my maxilla. What should I do at this point? Should I proceed with the treatment plan or should I wait and see if the Zometa adversely affects my implants or produces osteonecrosis of my jaws? What do you recommend?








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3 Responses to “ Diagnosed with Breast Cancer and Taking Zometa IV: Can I Proceed with Dental Implant Treatment? ”

  • jon September 1st, 2009

    DO NOT GET MORE IMPLANTS. You have about a 12% chance of getting exposed bone in your mouth that will never heal (bone will always be exposed) when starting Zometia IV. I doubt you could find a reputable oral surgeon or periodontist that would tell you to go forward. Good luck with your cancer treatment.

  • Dr.P September 1st, 2009

    Yes you can go ahead with your treatment plan. First off you have a window of opportunity until you would be considered a very high risk for necrosis. One or two treatments of Zometa will not necessarily increase your risk for osteonecrosis. Second thing is a fixed partial denture will provide less friction and abrasion verses the tissue supported denture you wear now. The implants are already in, go ahead and finish your case.

  • Dr RAV OMFS September 2nd, 2009

    I would recommend that you proceed with your planned treatment with the existing 8 implants already in place and hybrid denture. If any other teeth have a guarded or terminal prognosis these need to be removed now. No more implants are required. You can commence the iv Zometia as per your Oncologist advice as this is a very important chemotherapy agent for your Breast Ca.

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