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Anyone Else Have Osteonecrosis Of The Jaw(ONJ)? I Have Had It For About 5 Years Now As A Result Of Zometa Infusions.

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Seaford, DE

I am a 25 year MM survivor currently taking Selinexor, Dex and Kyprolis. I have lost 2 molars on the right side and one on the left with another getting very loose. I have seen 2 oral surgeons with no one wanting to do much except let the teeth fall out. It is getting difficult to eat. If I get the remaining molars pulled, I would like to know if I can get a denture. I know the jawbone will not support implants. If anyone has any experience with this please let me know. I am in the Washington DC… read more

August 10
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Jaypea, you need an oncology oral surgeon who deals with this issue daily. You have osteonecrosis which, at this point may need surgery. My husband had that and a wonderful oncology oral surgeon removed the dead bone and 2 back teeth.
You will need IV antibiotics before and after surgery. This will require hospitalization, and the procedure is covered by insurance.
You can contact Primetimegail on this site, as she also had surgery for osteonecrosis. The procedure does not result in any disfigurement, but you may loose some teeth. The longer you wait the more likely you are to loose more teeth.

August 11
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

You need a very talented Oral Surgeon, not a Dentist. I didn’t realize that osteonecrosis lasted so long. I was naive to think it was a one time thing. Thank you for sharing, and I pray you get the help you need. I have 2 implants which were done a few years ago. I would be surprised if this would work. They have to put a screw into the bone, so the bone must be strong.
Paula🌹

August 10
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Jaypea I am so sorry you are going through this. My husband saw an oral surgeon to have two teeth pulled. They both showed an infection in the root of the tooth. Dr. Forrest is one of 6 oral surgeons in Canada with his credentials. He did his final schooling in Texas but I cannot remember where. He was excellent and felt that Ken would have no problems with osteonecrosis because his bisphosphonate treatments had stopped over two years before. All the best to you🙏

August 10
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) is indeed a serious potential side effect of bisphosphonate treatments like Zometa (zoledronic acid). Here are some key points from the knowledge base:

- Symptoms of ONJ
- Exposed jawbone
- Swelling of the gums
- Loose teeth
- Drainage from areas in the oral cavity that won’t heal
Show Full Answer

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) is indeed a serious potential side effect of bisphosphonate treatments like Zometa (zoledronic acid). Here are some key points from the knowledge base:

- Symptoms of ONJ:
- Exposed jawbone
- Swelling of the gums
- Loose teeth
- Drainage from areas in the oral cavity that won’t heal
- Numbness or heaviness in the mouth and jaw
- Mouth infections

- Risk Factors:
- Invasive dental procedures or surgeries
- Dental implants
- IV bisphosphonate treatment
- Longer duration of bisphosphonate treatment
- Use of corticosteroids
- Multiple myeloma

- Management and Treatment:
- Surgery or medications
- Preventive antibiotics before dental procedures
- Regular and thorough dental hygiene
- Routine oral exams, teeth cleanings, and X-rays

- Statistics:
- Between 4% and 11% of people undergoing bisphosphonate treatment report episodes of ONJ.
- The risk increases with the dose and duration of bisphosphonate treatment.

It's important to work closely with your healthcare team to manage and monitor this condition.

August 10

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Has Anyone Had A Reaction Or Side Effects From Zometa?

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Hello Fellow MMer's. Has Anyone Had Bisphosphonate Therapy? This Was Brought Up During My Last Visit With The Oncologist. Thanks In Advance

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Milwaukie, OR
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