Question
Is there any advice I can share with my dentist?
8 July 2010. Related: All topics.
Following a series of tooth and gum infections in recent months, I have now had a molar extracted, leaving a large gap. My NHS dentist (who knows my HIV status) has asked me to wait a couple of months to see how the wound heals before we make a decision about what to do with the gap. This seems sensible, but I do not know if HIV makes a difference to how I can expect to heal, or to what options for bridges, implants, etc., might be most appropriate.
Is there any advice I can share with my dentist?
I am a gay man of 50, diagnosed HIV positive in 2002, on meds since 2005 (Truvada, fosamprenavir, ritonavir), having six-monthly blood tests and consultations that consistently show me undetectable and with CD4 counts of about 700.
I also take a prophylactic daily dose of acyclovir, having had Herpes in the past. Despite the recent series of infections, my overall oral health has been improving over recent years, with visits to the dental hygienist reduced from three-monthly to six-monthly last year because I have been doing well with inter-dental brushes and anti-bacterial mouthwashes, which I am continuing.
Answer
Thank you very much for your question.
Being HIV positive shouldn’t make any difference to the way that you heal especially if you have such a good CD4 count. The only thing that may impact on the speed of healing is your age.
Your dentist should treat you in the same way as he would treat someone without HIV in terms of options for bridges and implants etc. Being HIV positive should make no difference.
It sounds as if you are getting good dental care and that your oral health is improving dramatically which is fantastic news!
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