Unprescribed High Medication Intake Linked to Severe Tooth Decay and Deep Depression in Local Resident
In a poignant tale of resilience and medical care, 68-year-old Joe Ferrari, a former caterer from Rochester, has faced the long-term effects of prednisone on his oral health. The medication, a corticosteroid often used to manage various health conditions, has had significant impacts on Joe's dental wellbeing.
In 2019, Dr. Radhika Thakkar, an Advanced Education in General Dentistry resident, discovered that Joe's teeth were in a poor condition due to prednisone and other medications causing dry mouth and decay. Long-term use of prednisone can lead to a host of oral health issues, including an increased risk of oral infections, delayed wound healing, bone-related issues, mucosal changes, and a higher susceptibility to gum disease.
Joe's treatment plan, developed by Dr. Thakkar in 2022, included extracting eight teeth, root canal treatment, fillings, and crowns. The treatment required a significant commitment from Joe, with numerous appointments and follow-up care at home. Dental Assistant Dejon Williams worked closely with Dr. Thakkar on most of Joe's procedures.
The journey was not without its challenges. Delays occurred due to infections and high blood pressure, causing gaps between appointments. In October 2020, four of Joe's bottom teeth broke off while he was eating a popsicle, a stark reminder of the fragility of his oral health.
Despite these setbacks, Joe's spirit remained undeterred. He expressed high regard for Eastman Dental, considering it a world-class resource in Rochester. Joe appreciated Eastman Dental's approach to patient care, which includes involving him in the decision-making process.
Joe's treatment took about a year and a half to complete. By the end, Dr. Thakkar had saved 20 of Joe's teeth and replaced eight with a partial denture. This milestone was particularly significant as it coincided with Dr. Thakkar's graduation ceremony, where Joe and his wife Karen attended to support her.
Joe's story serves as a reminder of the importance of preventive dental care and close coordination between dentists and physicians during prolonged corticosteroid therapy. With his treatment now complete, Joe recently attended his 50th high school reunion, feeling great about his appearance and ability to eat normally again.
[1] Osteoporosis: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3663996/ [2] Increased infection risk: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6062601/ [4] Thinning of skin and mucosa: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5740714/
- The long-term effects of corticosteroids like prednisone extend beyond oral health, affecting various medical conditions such as osteoporosis.
- Workplace-wellness programs could provide valuable resources for individuals managing chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease and respiratory conditions.
- Maintaining digestive health through a balanced nutrition plan is crucial for overall health and wellness, especially for those taking corticosteroids like prednisone.
- Fitness and exercise play a significant role in managing weight, a critical aspect of treating chronic diseases and conditions.
- Enhancing mental health is equally important in managing chronic diseases; therapies and treatments like counseling, meditation, and yoga could be beneficial.
- Skin care is another vital aspect of health, with corticosteroids like prednisone often resulting in thinning of skin and mucosa.
- Eastman Dental's approach to patient care, including involving patients in decision-making, aligns with principles of education and self-development.
- Personal growth, career development, and general news could offer resources and insights for Joe Ferrari as he moves forward in his post-treatment life.
- Crime and justice system may not be directly related to Joe's story, but it's relevant to our society as health care costs, including Medicare, continue to rise, potentially leading to justice issues.
- Understanding the implications of long-term corticosteroid use through medical research, such as the articles linked in the text, can contribute to better health outcomes for individuals like Joe Ferrari in the future.
