Dental work post nasopharyngeal treatment

Christmas
Christmas Member Posts: 100
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Has anyone had a tooth extraction post nasopharyngeal cancer treatment? What can I expect? I had a bad toothache. My regular dentist is on vacation, so I was treated by his associate, a dentist with limited experience. He started a root canal, then realized that I wouldn't have enough tooth left to do a cap. I was then referred to an oral surgeon. He has put me on antibiotics. Will do the extraction Tuesday.

Comments

  • TereB
    TereB Member Posts: 286 Member
    Did your cancer treatment include radiation? If so, it affects teeth and bone. I lost some teeth due to radiation treatment in head and before having them extracted, the oral surgeon sent me to the oxigen chamber.
    Make sure your oral surgeon knows you had cancer treatment in that area.
    All the best,
    TereB
  • Christmas
    Christmas Member Posts: 100
    TereB said:

    Did your cancer treatment include radiation? If so, it affects teeth and bone. I lost some teeth due to radiation treatment in head and before having them extracted, the oral surgeon sent me to the oxigen chamber.
    Make sure your oral surgeon knows you had cancer treatment in that area.
    All the best,
    TereB

    TereB- Thanks for sharing. My treatment did include radiation. My oral surgeon checked with my oncologist, and they think that since it's an extraction of a molar in the upper jaw, I'll be OK if he does some extra flapping and suturing to keep the bone from being exposed and help with healing. If it's an extraction of teeth in the lower jaw bone, then I would have had to do the oxygen thing.