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any dentist for after care?
Hello - I am looking for some guidance / direction / help !
My wife had throat cancer and the radiation has taken a toll on her teeth, lots of breaking etc- who do i need to know that can help assist in after cancer dental procedures - she is going to need the full mouth - possible veneers and caps and extractions
any help would be appriciated - we are in the Atlanta area - no distance is too far for her comfort!
Comments
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Dental Care
Like many cancer patients; after chemotherapy I had issues with my teeth. Several root canals and crowns, and a couple extractions. I would make sure that your dentist understands the issues caused by treatment. With the challenges I have had with my teeth over the years since my cancer diagnosis, if I had it to do over again, I would consider replacement with dentures using a four point dental implant method.
I am afraid I can't recommend a specifc dentist, but you might consider asking your dentist for a referral to someone who specializes in dental reconstuction.
Best Regards,
Paul
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It is really hard to get a dentist for aftercare. A lot of dentists don't want to do all that work and are afraid that you may have complications and make them work more. You have to know this from the start, before you get your procedures done. When I got my braces a few years ago at https://smiledoctors.com/locations/albany-westgate/ I had to look for an aftercare dentist too. I was lucky my dad had a friend that was a dentist and he helped me take care of my braces and my overall dental health during the whole three years of aftercare. I was very lucky to have him as my dentist.
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I have had Esophageal cancer, chemo, radiation, surgery, and now amino therapy. Recently found out that I have to have my teeth removed because of all of the above. I'm grateful to have every day, even though the days aren't like they used to be. I am lucky to have found an excellent dentist. His name is Grant Mason DDS, in Charleston, WV. He is very understanding and patient. He asks how my treatments are going and is truly concerned. He encourages me to text him with any questions or concerns too. I can't lay flat anymore and he is good at working on me while sitting up. His office also helps me on payments, since I'm financially strapped these days. I recommend him to anyone who may need a great dentist.
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My heart goes out to your wife; she’s been through so much already. For something as extensive as full-mouth work, it’s important to find a dentist who has experience with post-cancer care and understands how radiation affects oral health.
I’d recommend reaching out to a dental practice that specializes in reconstructive work or complex cases. A place like jeffreygrossdds.com could be a good starting point. Well, they can handle extractions, veneers, caps, and other restorative treatments and should be able to create a plan that’s comfortable and manageable for your wife. -
Sorry to hear what your wife is going through, radiation therapy around the head and neck can be really tough on oral health, and what you’re describing (rapid breakdown, fractures, multiple failing teeth) is unfortunately quite common in post-radiation cases.
What you want to look for isn’t just a general dentist, but ideally a prosthodontist or a restorative dentist who has experience with oncology patients. They’ll understand complications like dry mouth (xerostomia), higher decay risk, and the need to carefully plan extractions and any implants due to reduced healing capacity and risk of osteoradionecrosis.
In many cases, treatment involves a staged full-mouth rehabilitation approach, this can include extractions where necessary, temporary dentures, and then long-term solutions like crowns, bridges, or implants once the oral environment is stable. It’s also really important they coordinate with her oncology history.
If you’re open to looking at examples of how comprehensive restorative care is approached, St Leonards Green Dental does a good job of outlining complex treatment planning for heavily compromised teeth and full mouth reconstruction cases. You can take a look at their approach just, visit here:stleonardsdental.com.au.
Even though you’re in the Atlanta area, it may still help to understand what a structured treatment pathway looks like when you’re comparing specialists locally. Large university dental hospitals or cancer centres (like those linked with major medical schools) are often the best starting point, as they tend to have teams experienced in medically complex dental cases.
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