So about the time my RA was rearing it's head I was having a problem
with one of my back teeth that was eventually DXed as a hairline fracture,
and I paid big bucks to get a gold crown put on (sadly, dental is NOT
covered under Medical Services Plan and my private insurance doesn't
"do" crowns). Getting a crown is actually a pretty traumatic experience, I
found out. I used to wonder if it had anything to do with the onset of my
RA until I looked at the records and I got the crown after the RA
symptoms started. Anyway, it didn't really solve the pain problem and I
went back to the crown dentist twice, my regular dentist twice, and
another dentist, each time getting a different opinion on why I was still
feeling pain there. The only resolutions I was offered were to either get
another root canal (after reading "Root Canal Cover-Up", NO WAY), or
having the newly crowned tooth pulled and getting a bridge. My dentist
said it wasn't going to go away but I could also just live with it until it was
too uncomfortable and then we could deal with it then.
So I haven't been chewing on that side of my mouth for almost 2 years.
Well, the most amazing thing has happened. Lately I've been chewing with
that tooth and the pain is resolved! Yes, it's completely gone!
The only thing that's different is the AP therapy, and I really believe that is
what has resolved this tooth problem. I wonder if I could have had a focal
infection there all this time?
My PRA started with dental work.
Pip
I've heard quite a few people say their RA started after dental work. Off the
My Ra was dx after having problems with an infected tooth that needed a root canal. The tooth had an extra root and had to have the root canal done twice. I believe the tooth infection an dental work are the cause of my RA.
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MXT,sulfasalzine,hydroxychloroquine,Folic Acid,Naproxen,Hydrocodone
Mary, I have Sjogren's, too. The Biotene products work really well, don't they? I just bought a humidifier to try to keep my mouth and nose from drying out so bad during the night, but, of course, it's actually been too humid to try it much.
There is a new product called Oasis. I like their mouthwash, too. The spray to carry in your purse is pretty strong. If your mouth is very dry when you use it, it really takes your breath away.
What is restatisis? Is it a Rx for Sjogren's? Sounds familiar but I can't place it.
One thing about Sjogren's is you really need to drink a lot of water and take very good care of your teeth. (I know you know this, Mary. Just putting it out there for general info
But I don't think I can make any connection between dental work and the onset of RA.
Gimpy, that is very cool about you tooth problem healing up with the AP. That's very interesting.
Take care,
Nini
Likewise, my RA was diagnosed shortly after having extensive dental work done on two teeth...root canals, crowns, then apicoectomies. Definitely makes one wonder...Hi, glad you can chew on it and the prob. went away. LyndaMy RA started directly after two root canals. My recessed gums have grown back since AP.Hi George - Welcome. There's a lot of research linking dental to AI diseases even if we don't get warned. When the dentist that started this whole thing for me sent me for a CAT scan the Cat scan doc told me to "come back if you have any other autoimmune responses."
Now I know what he meant.
Hugs,
Pip
I just wonder if the people who suspect that there RA was started from an infection like I believe mine was would have a better outcome with AP therapy than those who dont believe thiers started with an infection.(Just a thought) [QUOTE=Gimpy-a-gogo] So about the time my RA was rearing it's head ILori: I agree. One biologic dentist recommended I get the root canaled teeth pulled and bridges put in. If I ever needed another root canal, I would defiitely go that route. I can't decide if I should get the existing teeth removed. My AP rheumy says I should.
Pip: Yes, my teeth and gums get very bad with pregnancy and vomiting every day. The gums were so recessed that I couldn't even touch the top of my teeth because of exposed nerve endings. I think antibiotics, flossing, and rinsing with peroxide have helped them come back. I don't have to use Sensodyne anymore. I can use regular toothpaste again!
~Karin Lorster, I am definately going to discuss this with my dentist, then. I don't
want any more tooth problems! I didn't know that nerves and roots could
just die like that. Thanks for the info!
Hmmmm...interesting Gimpy.
I never put dental issues and RA together. My RA symptoms started shortly after I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth pulled. My top right wisdom tooth had one heck of a root that put a hole in my sinus cavity when it was pulled causing a very nasty infection. Sure does make you think.
I'm glad you're feeling better and you can chew once again!
Peace & Love...Neasy
Gogo: You might want to look into a biologic dentist for teeth extractions as that can be another source of infection, as might be the case with Neasy above.
Take care, K
I called my dentist and explained the situation to him and he said the pain going away is a good thing. He said getting the crown may have inflamed the nerve and it's taken this long for it to calm down again. Or the nerve may have died like Lorster said, but he also told me the signs to watch out for for nerve or root infection in the tooth, if that was the case. So I've decided to keep a close eye on it but be happy about it for now, and believe that it's the inflammation going down. I may consult with a biological dentist in the future, though, as I'm still very supsicious of my root canalled tooth. I know from my research that a root canal can harbour focal infection with no outward symptoms. Thanks for the tips, all!