hepatitis/interferon/dental work

i have hepatitis c and am undergoing treatment with interferon and ribaviron.  i have been on treatment for about 18 months. i have been afraid to go to the dentist because i have hepatitus (hepatitis) c. i feel embarrased and also do not want to cause anyone to get this illness. because of the blood involved in cleanings and tooth care i have been avoiding going to the dentist since starting treatment for hepc. i have been thinking i will just go when i am done with treatment and clear of the virus...but, my gums are getting bad because of the treatment and i am constantly dealing with bad breath since starting treatment.

i had gone to a dentist before i started treatment and he seemed to panic when i told him i had hep c. so this is the main reason i am scared to go. i know i shouldn't be concerned about the dentist cause they have ways to protect themselves, but i am...why did my dentist panic. i would have thought they would be used to the idea that they can be exposed to blood virus infections.

also since starting treatment my gums have gone down hill fast...brushing and flossing does not help. i have alot of pain with brushing and flossing too so i am afraid of the pain and bleeding with any dental work...

is there anything you can help me to get over these fears cause i just have to be treated before i do irreversable damage to my gums...i think i just freaked out when my dentist freaked out...now i'm scared to go to any dentist for fear of what he is thinking and going through having to treat me.

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

Your concerns are legitimate and understandable.  But, you should not have to put off  dental treatment for fear of spreading the hepatitis.  You can be treated and should feel comfortable in doing so.  The dentist should use universal precautions as we do with all patients.  If you did not feel comfortable with your dentist's reaction, you should seek a new dentist and be up front with him or her about your health.  Try to put aside your fears and find the right person for the job.   One way is to call ahead to the dentist and let them know your situation.  You'll get a feel for the office right over the phone which will allay your fears.

[LvdByGod!]

thank you i know you're right. God bless.

[scooz]

I would not worry at all.I had to have so much oral surgery before my transplant.And the oral surgeon was really cool and didnt care less about the hep c could not have any bad teeth at all.So had to have a buch out..they were all very friendly and kind..hep c made to difference..plus all the work I have had since then..not to worry...

Steve

[Consider]

I just wanted to mention two things, dentists wear gloves now, to protect themselves; and when you mentioned interferon, I was reminded of a book I have by Jean Carper who writes or used to write in the Sunday papers about health and nutrition. She wrote that yogurt contains either interferon or something that turns into it... and she was recommending yogurt to reduce asthma attacks. She said you needed to eat 6 oz a day for three months to get the benefit... So I tried and it worked great.

I have some major dental problems right now... and am keeping infection at bay till I have some money.

Good luck to you :)

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[LvdByGod!]

thank you for your comments...GOD'S BLESSINGS TO YOU BOTH.

[new-sojourn]

Oh for goodness sakes, tell/ask the dentist this  'Do you treaat hep c patients??' Say this in a loud voice in the middle of the waiting rm and then wait.  I put it more bluntly, I added 'or do you discriminate against hep c patients?'

I was told before tx to have all dental work and infections done so the tx only had to work on the hep c virus na dthe body didn't have to use resources to fight tooth infections.

I didn't have any probs w/tooth decay or bone loss or calcium loss from tx.  The only thing I do is have the dental work done in small steps w/light drugs.