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

Last Updated: Jan 30, 2009

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?

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

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jon

09/01/2009

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

09/01/2009

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

09/02/2009

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.

Dr MILAN KUMAR

04/18/2010

sure,u need to consider the osteonecrosis due zometa IV ,but if u'd procedded with ur planned treatment,then go with fixed partial removable denture instead of any soft liner , but of course take care of a 3d analysis along with a perio surgeon,it 'll ease of ur loa d

Richard Hughes, DDS, FAAI

04/18/2010

I would check the orthopaedic surgery and perio literature.

Carlos Boudet, DDS

04/19/2010

I believe that you will do much better with a well designed fixed prosthesis than with the unfinished treatment. You have to make sure that no implants or teeth are questionable and may require surgery, and do a very good job in oral hygiene to avoid any inflamation or infection in your mouth. Most importantly, your oncologist and dentist must be cooperating and in agreement about your treatment. The design of your prosthesis for ease of access is very important. Best wishes for your success in your fight with breast cancer.

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