Oxycontin Damaged My Teeth (Page 8)
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Has anyone else known oxycontin to rot the teeth? I used to be on vicodin until my doctor told me I needed to switch to a morphine based meds. She put me on ms contin but I had problems with it so she put me on 80mg oxycontin. Eventually my body built up a tolerance so she kept raising it, i have am now on from 4-6 per day of the 80mg tabs. It scares me that this is what rotted my teeth because only 5 yrs ago i had only 2 cavities that needed filling and then only 1 yr after going on the oxycontin i had to have all my top front teeth pulled as they where rotting from the inside out the dentist said my mouth looked like a heroin addict's mouth looks. He said it was shocking to him that normally he only saw such damage from someone who abused drugs with so much dental damage, but i have never done any street drugs and have only take my meds as prescribed to me. Now i have lost 80% of my teeth and as a beautiful 41 yr old mother its devastating. I cant afford dentures and sure cant afford implants like i would like to have. I am a single mother and refuse to date because i have lost my teeth now, i had beautiful teeth before i started on the oxycontin and only 2 small cavities that needed filling. Does anyone else have this same problem and if so why hasn't the company making oxycontin warn patients of this possible problem?

If i had known this would cause me to lose most of my teeth i would have never agreed to go on it. Of course my family doctor who has been prescribing them tells me she hasn't heard of any other cases, yet when i researched the med online there where others like this why hasn't something been put in the warnings about this med, i sure would have preferred to have lived in pain the rest of my life rather than lose my teeth and be unable to even eat now. My health has gone downhill fast as i cant even chew foods necessary for good health. All I can eat now are yogurts, and liquid type of foods which isn't much. My kids are 7 and 9 yrs old and they watch me cry when we go out to eat and they order steak, and i can smell it but can't order one as i know i wont be able to chew it. This is so devastating for me. I want teeth so badly if i could wish for anything in life besides not to be poor anymore it would be to have a full set of real teeth or implants but i could never dream of having them, and i don't know anyone out there willing to just help me get any either. I have always helped others all my life, but cant even help myself, i have had to have 29 surgeries now since 1991 when a drunk driver hit my car and caused me major injuries with my lower back and knees, i have had a full lower back fusion and 8 arthroscopic knee surgeries until a year ago they finally had to do a full right knee replacement and now they are talking about doing my left knee soon.

So my life has been up and down with surgeries and i would go thru one more surgery just to have teeth implanted if i could. but i could never afford it, but i would like to know why these drug manufacturers are making a medication that could cause teeth to rot like this without warning us patients or even warning the doctors about it. This is just terrible of them i think, as now i am the one paying for this by having no teeth to eat with at such a young age now. I am a vibrant young 41 yr old at 5'3, 120lbs, slim woman, nice looking too as i was a model in my younger days, so i keep my looks up. But to have no teeth now... I never smile anymore, I am to ashamed to smile even though it wasn't my fault i lost my teeth. I think they should pay for me to have new teeth but no one wants to admit that the med causes it, but my diet wasn't the problem back when i started the medication and i wasn't drinking coca-cola either or doing street drugs so i know that wasn't the cause either. The only thing that changed within one year to cause this was starting the oxycontin medication. Well, if anyone out there can help me let me know thanks.

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I hope you still have the ability to read this post because I, for one, wish you only the best. Christine

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Im wondering when and how this discussion thread on tooth decay from pain medications turned into a debate and lecture about Jesus and God ??? I come onto this thread because its full of people like me that have very serious medical issues and because we all open up to each other and discuss our medical problems regarding those medical issues etc. This current thread is about Tooth decay potentially from Oxycontin and other opiate meds.
This thread and discussion is NOT about Jesus, or God and has absolutely Nothing to do with any religion or any other spiritual thing whatsoever. Bringing Jesus, God or Religion into these threads/discussions only leads to negative debates and eventual frusteration and anger, which then totally leads to everything and anything except the original point of this discussion which is medical issues like Tooth decay from opiates which this thread is currently about.
Recently all the messages I keep getting notifications about are discussions about Jesus, God, and Religion, Not Tooth decay, Not Opiate info, and Nothing to do with anything medical whatsoever.
So to all those that wish to discuss Jesus, God, Or Religion, I have no issue with you, I am Not disrespecting your beliefs or knocking your faith in any way, But I am asking that you either end your discussions about Religion and bring it back to what this thread is about or please take your discussions with each other to another place and have your discussions there. Just please not on here.........this is NOT the place for those discussions, this is for people discussing medical issues and for getting advice regarding those issues.
Thank you,
Steve

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Hello, posters, and for you P450, I appreciate (again) your excellent description/difference between an addict and a responsible pain management patient! I do not agree with Lissy on many levels and even though at one point in my life, about 35+ years ago, I abused drugs but I also came to the realization of what I was doing and where I was headed. I not only stopped but moved almost 500 miles, closer to my family and friend`s support, and easily quit, never to return. Then came the medical issues that forced me (after having attempted virtually every possible alternative first!) into opiate pain relief. I can honestly say that I NEVER ABUSE them there have been MANY MONTHS (including this month) where I have quite a few extra days-worth of pills left over and told my Dr that I didn't need as many for the next month. How many addicts do you know who would ask for less pain pills than more? THAT, my friends, is a true and honest pain management patient and NOT THE BEHAVIOR OF AN ADDICT. I believe both responsibility of the patient (to you!) to be HONEST, as well your PM Dr to be aware of any changes in their patient's dosage/quantity requests to become attentive and note when it's getting out hand and not in keeping with their original pain level, original dosage/strength so that additional treatment and/or intervention might be appropriate. Both patient doctor MUST work together ensure that line isn't crossed.

I SURE HOPE that what you said about the government is paying PM physicians to NOT treat/prescribe pain medications it's not true but, on the other hand, it wouldn't surprise me if it were. If that were true, it would be absolutely heartbreaking for those of us LEGITIMATE pain sufferers who would be unfairly punished for the misdeeds of those who just want to feel "high"! .... Again, something that I've never experienced even with 90mg at a time..... battery to low to continue now..... warm regards to ALL.

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Don't worry I am done here. I am sorry that you have taken my comments to be judgement against anyone. I have never been accused of being unloving by anyone. I am only doing what I have been called to do and I am sorry you take it as something else. Hope you have a beautiful day. I am going to unsubscribe to this thread.

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Enough, Lissy! Please! Enough with your form of judgement for those who may not subscribe to your own personal beliefs! We are/should be here to support each other!

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Someone who knows the Lord would not have talked to me the way you just did. Get some help. I know where my help comes from.

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Christine,

You are blessed with having a physician who will write in the current state of affairs. The government is paying incentives to physicians to stop treatment and not allow pain patients to live. We need several years to reverse this trend I have written more heavily of concerns on the trending post 'who will write pain medicine' as most flock over there for general help and information.

Be careful things are getting ready to go into full blow very soon. Stay very safe.

Lissy no one misunderstood your judgmental and antagonistic attitude here. I am glad you know you are an addict, and if indeed are in treatment then your concerns should focus on you, not others unless that is 'you get out of self and help another person without judging their needs.'

Whatever!!!

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Also regarding your reply to Lissy... I can agree 100% with your excellent description of the difference between the needs of the addict versus the pain management patient. I'm allowed to take up to 12 30mg tabs of Oxycontin a day yet, when I have a fairly good pain day I may start out only talking three and maybe three more later in the day. Plus, and from the very beginning, I've NEVER EVER felt anything other than pain relief - no euphoria, it doesn't make me feel excited, nothing at all! The only occasional thing it does to me is makes my nose itch! LOL! Thus, I can take it or leave it unless my pain level dictates that I take some to ease my pain and allow me to be more productive during the day. I also can't take ANY anytime after early evening as I'll end up not being able to fall asleep but, if my pain is intolerable, I might have to make that sacrifice and at least I'll watch TV, read, or find something to do all night without pain. Fortunately that doesn't happen very often.

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My addiction started out from an injury. I am not judging anyone. I am just stating the truth. I think you may have misunderstood my post. GOD bless you

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I, for one, REALLY APPRECIATED YOUR POST! THANK YOU! Christine
Also regarding your reply to Lissy... I can agree 100% with your excellent description of the difference between the needs of the addict versus the pain management patient. I'm allowed to take up to 12 30mg tabs of Oxycontin a day yet, when I have a fairly good pain day I may start out only talking three and maybe three more later in the day. Plus, and from the very beginning, I've NEVER EVER felt anything other than pain relief - no euphoria, it doesn't make me feel excited, nothing at all! The only occasional thing it does to me is makes my nose itch! LOL! Thus, I can take it or leave it unless my pain level dictates that I take some to ease my pain and allow me to be more productive during the day. I also can't take ANY anytime after early evening as I'll end up not being able to fall asleep but, if my pain is intolerable, I might have to make that sacrifice and at least I'll watch TV, read, or find something to do all night without pain. Fortunately that doesn't happen very often.

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Posters,

I have just gone through several pages on this topic and ALL mentioned are CORRECT medically and biologically, however, it was only the famous physicians on pain who research who found also the hormonal connection of intractable pain.

FIRST I am a licensed health care professional and published researcher and 80 mg. Oxycontin may be safe when given to an opioid tolerant patients. The reason long acting medications were evolved is for continual pain relief without highs and lows which real ADDICTS appreciate and pain patients do not. An extended release 80 mg. Oxycontin given to the proper patient is quite safe and many folks were on much higher dosages until ADDICTS began robbing pharmacies to abuse the old form of Oxycontin. We (those in IP) have suffered more due to ADDICTS then any chronic group in America which is why the FDA and CDC are destroying lives right now; they have not published the TRUTH that the overdoses and deaths were by ADDICTS not pain patients who were legally prescribed safe medication.

Hypercortisolemia occurs in chronic pain and leads to outcomes such as decreased saliva production. Any top dentist will tell you regardless of what you do, your genetics or otherwise opioids of any type over time cause DENTAL EROSION.

I hope this clears up much arrogance occurring on a post that needs sensitivity, love and attention!

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Lissy,

Let me give you some lay person education dear. I too believe in God and the Book tells me man is never to judge man that includes you judging others here who require opioids due to biological intractable pain.

As a licensed professional the pain patient evolves biologic or physiologic tolerance.

The addict who sports a DSMIV diagnosis has addiction which is psychologic causing him or her to continue putting anything in their vein or mouth or nose to 'feel different.' An addict cannot take a prescription of pain pills as directed; a pain patient MUST and will do so for the small decrease in pain he or she will acquire. A pain patient HATES sedation, euphoria and feelings of disconnect (not being self) because the most WE want is to reduce the pain for higher quality of life. An addict needs quality of life but needs mental and psychiatric help (interventions) to learn what life is, how to behave with others in life, and to stop being a VICTIM.

I hope that helps and God bless.

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Methadoneaddict,

Yes dry mouth is secondary to the opioid effect on the cerebral cortex which essentially all points to the same chemistry. An excellent top dentist told me no matter what a pain patient does with dental hygiene this will occur. Restoration is the key.

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kkh, if you were indeed a medical student you would know this is epidemic and pain in and of itself causes high cortisol levels which initiates the deterioration of your teeth, and also bone (leading to renal stones and the like) and Methadone causes this as well being one of the top LONG ACTING opioid pain medications created by Hitler's medical scientists and used for many years only for dope fiends in the U.S.

If you are medically inclined get some heart, the people here are at their last bit of hope and with government intervention in our opioid therapy we are all suffering.

Get some empathy here...

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Posters,

All of the opioids cause dental erosion. In short with the fabulous dental work being done today if you can get restoration (I too have provided proof to the insurer and will do so again about this phenomenona) you can get implants in just two areas for example with a bridge to pop in and out.

Attempting to save teeth that have suffered erosion is futile. Those teeth once identified are likely no longer capable of holding up and rather then suffer infection which can also kill you, restoration at many of the large groups in major cities can get a full mouth done in several days perhaps giving you a better smile than before. Many groups also offer financing since so many just cannot afford $20 to $40,000 on a full mouth restoration.

Do not let the teeth rot to the bone or restoration with say 4 implants and 2 bridges is impossible. Your bone underlying the eroded teeth must be stable enough to hold an implant. So try to get this handled before it's too late.

My top pain specialist recommended full restoration for me in 2010 and in the Court Orders which so many have read about on my case (see update in trending post on 'who prescribes pain medication') I must get a new evaluation. However, here is the kicker with legal suits, first of all those who have real intractable pain get high cortisol levels; it is like being in constant fight or flight response and this also causes it; so the IP causes dental deterioration as well.

Hope this helps and hope all are doing well...

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Nancy, I'm about to borrow a hellva lot of money from my mother just to replace teeth that were strong and healthy only a few years ago. Now im in and out of the dentist's office spending thousands I cant afford.
A class action lawsuit does sound like a good idea, there is no way the maker of Oxy didnt know about this major life-changing, and extremely expensive side-affect. Damn rights they should be sued, its not like they cant afford it and we all definitely need our teeth back. If you come across any info please post it to this page and convo ok? I will also.......

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Hello, Valerie, and I apologize for replying so late (and to you, too, Mailman! You're always thanking me for being there for you but you have no idea just how MUCH your KIND WORDS have helped ME!) My cancer scare was very difficult but I can happily report that the growth was removed without complication and pathology concluded that it was BENIGN, THANK GOD! On the other hand I, just like the rest of you, continue to experience tooth decay and loss with no end in sight. My depression has increased exponentially and I've become even more reclusive than ever. If it weren't for the fact that must go food shopping, for me AND my 86 year old mother who has been experiencing more and more health issues that I have no choice but help her with (and which I do so gladly) but, if it weren't for her, doctor's appointments and trips to the pharmacy, I must admit that I wouldn't have much live for. This is a painful and lonely way to live that not only do most people not understand but who often label you as an addict with a death wish. The choice is a simple one.... PAIN OR LESS PAIN.....each bringing with it their own complicated and emotionally painful consequences. People like us are basically placed in a corner which, no matter which way we turn to try and get out, end up looking at a bad outcome and having to decide which is the lesser of two evils. Bottom line, there no way out and you, my forum friends are the only ones who ACTUALLY UNDERSTAND and I thank you all for being there for me. I mostly thank those who have thanked me, of all people, for helping you. It's THE only thing I have left that gives me any sense of worthiness. God bless all my painful and toothless friends and let's just always remember to be there each other, support each other, no matter what as it's sometimes the thinnest and most fragile thread that holds us here. Christine

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Sorry for what's happened to you. I am in the same boat. My dentist is honest with me and won't fix my teeth as he knows that it is futile. Many of my teeth have broken and it is causing me great pain. Looking into full dentures now and many places have financing. There goes the vacation ! Good luck to you and you are right. ....doctors should know about this !

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Yes, i was on oxy for about a year or more, now just about every tooth i have has either rotted &fell out or broke off at the gumline.i think a class action suite should be done to make the makers of oxycodone pay for fixing our teeth whatever way we want them fixed. Does anyone know of any class action suite being brought against them yet???

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Much Appreciated. And thank you for your prompt and sincere reply.
Steve

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