Hi, everyone. I have some dental issues that need addressing, but before I attempt to get any of that done, I want to find out what things I should be aware of as a lupus patient taking prednisone. I know I've read that you must inform your dentist that you have lupus and are taking steroids before having any dental work done. I have also read that because your immune system is being suppressed, most dentists will put you on antibiotics before any dental procedure that might expose you to infection through an opening in the gums. I would be interested to know if any of you had any serious dental work done and how did you do afterwards? Were you on prednisone or other immunosuppressants at the time?

I am afraid I have a rather severe case of periodontal disease (infected gums), have had it for years, and I will have to get some surgery on my gums soon or risk losing my perfectly good teeth at the tender age of 37, the thought of which makes me want to cry. My gums are literally pulling away from my teeth little by little. They are in such bad shape that they bleed sometimes during the day. I am pretty vigilant about oral hygiene, since I am totally paranoid that my mouth stinks. I already know for a fact that I heal more slowly than I used to, so it worries me to think of letting them do a lot of cutting in my mouth. Any clues anyone can give me about what to expect would be appreciated.

Hello aqua,

Just to say that I normally do not need to have any antibiotics for any kind of "normal" check up at my dentists surgery. If extractions or as you say cutting into the gum or any invase work that would produce bleeding needed to be carried out, then antibiotics are required before treatment. For any type of work, fillings and so on, oral hygiene is of the utmost importance. Dentist recommended mouthwashes and so on must be used so that no invasion of the nasties come in.

When I was younger, I was on, it seemed for ever, antibioics as I had to go to the hospital for dental work to be done every 2 1/2 weeks then, but as I say that was for invasive work. I was taking steroids.

You must ask advice from your GP regarding this, he will ensure that all the precautions you need to take are adhered to and then pass the information on to your dentist. Yes, you must inform your dentist if you take steroids, as indeed any other medical person must be informed.

Hope you are doing ok, apart from this.

Take care.

golenwings :angel: