Filling for cavity post-radiation

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JM0377
JM0377 Member Posts: 18
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Hi,

I am almost two weeks post-radiation and require a filling for a cavity. I have read about needing antibiotics for extensive dental work such as extractions, but haven't seen anything about precautions for a filling. My dentist thinks I shouldn't need any antibiotics. Of course, my radiation oncologist's office isn't answering their phones to get information from them. Anyone have any experience? 

Jennifer

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  • SASH
    SASH Member Posts: 421 Member
    #2
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    Dental Work

    I can only comment on my own experiences with the dentist.  Cleanings and fillings were just down as if I hadn't had radiation.  No antibiotics needed.  Extractions due to dissingrating teeth were just pulled with a little novicaine.  Again, I didn't have any antibiotics.  When I recently had some jaw work and extractions done, I did 28 of my 30 pre-surgical Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment sessions, then had the surgery, then went back into HBO for 10 more sessions.  But this time since they did have to go below the gum line, they did give me an antibiotic. 

    That is probably the difference above versus below the gums.

  • jcortney
    jcortney Member Posts: 503
    #3
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    Except

    if you have a port, you MUST have antibiotics to protect the port from all the bacteria that ANY dental work kicks up. 

    Joe

  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
    #4
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    what tooth is it?

    For general purposes the lower jaw bone is more at risk than the top because it is a denser bone and absorbs more radiation. That said it shouldn't really matter for a filling. Extractions can leave pockets or sink holes that don't heal and I think this is where antibiotics become necessary. Take note of what is happening in your mouth before the filling because your mouth is very sensitive to poking around and some incidental abrassion is going to occur from the procedure. This way you can attribute any new blister or abbrasion to the procedure without any unwarranted fears.

  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    #5
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    No antibiotics

    Couple months after my last rad a tooth problem developed. Was in the chair to have a tooth pulled when the Dental Dr read that I'd just been thru H&N. She called my Rad Dr, and could not get the tooth pulled. Instead, had a root canal and crown put on. No antiotics, and had no problems. And if it's just for a filling, it should not be an issue. FYI- I am not a Dr, though.

    kcass

  • JM0377
    JM0377 Member Posts: 18
    #6
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    ratface said:

    what tooth is it?

    For general purposes the lower jaw bone is more at risk than the top because it is a denser bone and absorbs more radiation. That said it shouldn't really matter for a filling. Extractions can leave pockets or sink holes that don't heal and I think this is where antibiotics become necessary. Take note of what is happening in your mouth before the filling because your mouth is very sensitive to poking around and some incidental abrassion is going to occur from the procedure. This way you can attribute any new blister or abbrasion to the procedure without any unwarranted fears.

    Upper back molar

    It's one of my upper right molars. The dentist mentioned that the epinephren (sp?) COULD cause some issues, but she had an alternative to that. On one of the upper left molars, I now have sensitivity and she said she would put something on that, too. Since radiation seems to be the gift that keeps on giving. My sense of taste for salt was the first to disappear. It's back and now it tastes like someone poured salt in my mouth at all times. I'm hoping this one passes pretty soon. :)

    Jennifer

  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
    #7
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    Kent Cass said:

    No antibiotics

    Couple months after my last rad a tooth problem developed. Was in the chair to have a tooth pulled when the Dental Dr read that I'd just been thru H&N. She called my Rad Dr, and could not get the tooth pulled. Instead, had a root canal and crown put on. No antiotics, and had no problems. And if it's just for a filling, it should not be an issue. FYI- I am not a Dr, though.

    kcass

    Not me

    I have had numerous fillings without antibiotics, no issues

  • TracyLynn72
    TracyLynn72 Member Posts: 839
    #8
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    Dental work

    Since I finished rads over two years ago, I've had a root canal, crown, 4 cavity fillings and an extraction.  They were all fine and I didn't have antibiotics with any of them.  They did give me a prescription for antibiotics should I need them, but so far so good :)

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