Bev , my husband has had two teeth pulled by an oral surgeon. We felt very comfortable with his knowledge of bone strengthening drugs and myeloma. My husband has not inquired about an implant. They are very costly and we hope he can manage without the two teeth. He did go on an antibiotic every time he had dental surgery.

Bev,
Yes, It sounds like it needs to come out. Ask your Oncologist if you need antibiotics, since your immune system may be low. Also, I understand there are Oral surgeons who specialize in Oncology. Not sure if they take MM patients if they are not removing cancer?
Paula🌹

Hi Walter,

I was 59 at diagnosis and turned 60 at the time of transplant. I was overwhelmed too. There is so much information and Multiple Myeloma is different from individual to individual. For me, stem cell transplant was the best option. I have a high risk Myeloma and I believe the stem cell transplant has helped keep me from relapsing thus far. I am healthy enough now, that to just see me, noone would know I still take treatment for Myeloma.

As for the transplant, the worst part for me was the beginning when I was admitted to the hospital and given high dose chemo to kill my stem cells. I had the vomiting, diarrhea, exhaustion, that goes along with that. I didn't get mouth ulcers, but during the treatment we did ice therapy which I believe really helped. I was in the hospital for three weeks (I don't know if that's normal, but it was during COVID) and was exhausted. When I came out my sister and husband were my caregivers. My cell counts rose pretty quickly, and I continued to improve. After a couple more months I was put on maintenance therapy of Revlimid, Darzalex, dexamethasone and acyclovir. I am now only taking Revlimid.

This may be more information than you wanted, but I hope it's helpful. I wish you the best!

Bev

Bev,
Since I have lots of dental work and 2 implants, I saw a post where someone said the doctor did not pull the tooth, but just drilled it down even with the gum. This can only work if it has a root canal, and it’s not in front where looking at it may bother you. With implants, they have to insert bone into the hole and mine got infected. It also takes more than 6 months. $$$$$. MM makes everything dental harder, especially if you are on Zometa. You should be working with an oral surgeon who understands osteonecrosis is a higher risk with Zometa and MM . Even if you go off Zometa, it’s half life is years and years. It just stays in your system.
Paula🌹

Thank you so much for the information! The tooth is abscessed and cracked so I'm told it will need to come out.