Dentures

Pumakitty

I have a quick questions for those of you that had dentures prior to treatment or need to get them after completion. My dad has had dentures since he was in his thrities due to a car accident. He had to stop wearing them prior to treatment because of pain from the cancer. He know is wondering when he should get new ones. The rad doctor told him a few more monthes and the ENT has not even mentioned them. When should he consider getting fitted for new ones and does anyone know if Medicare will cover any of the cost. It would be great to hear what others have done.

Thanks again.

Leaseman

Dentures
I am in my 3rd week of a 6 week INDUCTION CHEM cycle for tonsil and base of tongue...after a 2week break I start a cycle of 5days a week radiation/1 day a weeek chemo for 7 weeks...that said...I just had 9 teeth extracted and my partial of other teeth is useless...all dental work must be done before radiation..radiation kills your teeth..no metal fillings are allowed etc...I suggest holding off on new dentures until a few months after treatment completion

HAWVET

Leaseman said:

Dentures
I am in my 3rd week of a 6 week INDUCTION CHEM cycle for tonsil and base of tongue...after a 2week break I start a cycle of 5days a week radiation/1 day a weeek chemo for 7 weeks...that said...I just had 9 teeth extracted and my partial of other teeth is useless...all dental work must be done before radiation..radiation kills your teeth..no metal fillings are allowed etc...I suggest holding off on new dentures until a few months after treatment completion

Dentures/Medicare
If there were no teeth extracted, would there be any reason to get new dentures? I have partials and my teeth alignment had been the same before and after treatment. I would guess it depends on the location of the cancer.

Concerning Medicare, dentures are not covered under Part A or B. There is a Part C called Medicare Advantage Plans and may include coverage for dentures. There are different types available. These plans are offered by private companies if they are in your area. There are advantages/disadvantages in converting so do a comparison, check to see how it works and if there are additional fees.

miccmill

HAWVET said:

Dentures/Medicare
If there were no teeth extracted, would there be any reason to get new dentures? I have partials and my teeth alignment had been the same before and after treatment. I would guess it depends on the location of the cancer.

Concerning Medicare, dentures are not covered under Part A or B. There is a Part C called Medicare Advantage Plans and may include coverage for dentures. There are different types available. These plans are offered by private companies if they are in your area. There are advantages/disadvantages in converting so do a comparison, check to see how it works and if there are additional fees.

Dentures
Glenn had all his teeth pulled before treatment started (June 9th).

The doctors have told him right along that he'll be cleared to have dentures fitted 6 months after completion of radiation. He askes at every appointment and they are sticking to that prediction. They will clear him on January 14th and he has an appointment for denture impressions on Monday, January 17th.

Your dad may not need new dentures, he may be able to have his current one relined. Do they fit at all?

Glenn has a dental rider on his Excellus plan so they cover 50% of dentures up to $1000.00. We feel like we won the lottery with that coverage.

Good luck. I know how much he's looking forward to getting back to using his teeth.

Noellesmom

Jim
Jim is three months post-treatment and, as much as he wants them, agrees the healing is still continuing and it would be a mistake to push getting the dentures. His radiation oncologist is talking a couple more months. That sounds reasonable to us.

Will your dad's old dentures fit? Probably not.

kingcole42005

Leaseman said:

Dentures
I am in my 3rd week of a 6 week INDUCTION CHEM cycle for tonsil and base of tongue...after a 2week break I start a cycle of 5days a week radiation/1 day a weeek chemo for 7 weeks...that said...I just had 9 teeth extracted and my partial of other teeth is useless...all dental work must be done before radiation..radiation kills your teeth..no metal fillings are allowed etc...I suggest holding off on new dentures until a few months after treatment completion

I have metal fillings?
I have metal fillings and there was no mention of me having to have them removed before radiation? Maybe where they are radiating it doesn't matter. She did say the metal fillings cause scatter. That was about it though.

Glenna M

Dentures
I've had dentures (top only) due to a car accident 15 years ago but was able to wear them throughout my treatment. I completed radiation treatments a year ago and don't see any difference in how they fit now. Is he sure he will need new ones?? Maybe he can have them lined by his dentist if they don't fit right. I know how expensive dentures and dental work are and am dreading any future need for any type of dental work.

Wishing you and your dad the best,
Glenna

Pumakitty

Glenna M said:

Dentures
I've had dentures (top only) due to a car accident 15 years ago but was able to wear them throughout my treatment. I completed radiation treatments a year ago and don't see any difference in how they fit now. Is he sure he will need new ones?? Maybe he can have them lined by his dentist if they don't fit right. I know how expensive dentures and dental work are and am dreading any future need for any type of dental work.

Wishing you and your dad the best,
Glenna

Thank you
Thank you so much for the information. They do not fit him now, so I am thinking he will need new ones. I have a feeling they did not fit correctly even before treatment. I think I will talk with the rad docotor and maybe get him a referal.

Katt

HAWVET

Pumakitty said:

Thank you
Thank you so much for the information. They do not fit him now, so I am thinking he will need new ones. I have a feeling they did not fit correctly even before treatment. I think I will talk with the rad docotor and maybe get him a referal.

Katt

Katt,

Since you mentioned that the dentures may not have fit correctly and if he is getting new dentures, do not return to the same dentist. Besides his rad doctor, check with his friends since we old folks may have partials or full dentures.

I remember getting my first partials. They did not fit properly. I thought I had to always use denture adhesive. Yet, they were still uncomfortable.

I still had enough teeth to chew food so I just stored it in a container. I forgot the reason and changed dentists a few years later. I got new partials and to my surprise, I could pop them in and eat without using that super glue. They were also comfortable.

Now with this dry mouth condition, I cannot chew gum with it. The gum sticks to the partials, but I am happy eating with it.