Should you stop your biologic treatment before a tooth extraction?
This is a great question to bring to both your dermatologist and your dentist before the procedure. A tooth extraction is generally considered a minor procedure, and the guidance around biologics tends to be more cautious for larger, more invasive surgeries Show Full Answer
Should you stop your biologic treatment before a tooth extraction?
This is a great question to bring to both your dermatologist and your dentist before the procedure. A tooth extraction is generally considered a minor procedure, and the guidance around biologics tends to be more cautious for larger, more invasive surgeries. Here's what's generally known about minor procedures and biologics for HS:
- Minor procedures like tooth extractions typically carry a lower infection risk compared to major surgeries
- Studies suggest people can often stay on biologics during minor procedures without significant complications
- However, biologics do suppress the immune system, which could slightly affect how quickly your mouth heals after extraction
There are also risks to stopping your biologic, even briefly:
- HS flare-ups could occur during your recovery
- Stopping for too long may cause the medication to become less effective when restarted
- In some cases, your immune system may build a resistance to the drug The bottom line is that every person with HS is different. Your dermatologist and dentist should work together to decide what's safest for your specific situation. Don't be shy about asking your dental team whether antibiotics will be prescribed around the procedure, as that can be an important part of the conversation too.
October 21
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