Can't get Dental Implants Need Denture Solution

jdeau9
jdeau9 Member Posts: 2
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
I had a complete maxillectomy to remove a plasmacytoma in my left maxillary sinus. They removed the roof of my mouth and reconstructed using my fibula and rib bone. I completed radiation treatments which make post radiation surgery risky. I have no bone in the top of my mouth that will support dental implants. They had to remove all of my top teeth to the left of my front 2 teeth. I have not found a dentist that can create any sort of denture for me because there is no place to secure the dentures. Has anyone had a similar issue or know of a great dentist that makes dentures? The left side of my cheek is caving in so I would be willing to travel for a consultation.

Thanks so much

Comments

  • ljoy
    ljoy Member Posts: 94
    #2
    Dental
    I don't know of any. I would suggest checking with major cancer centers such as M.D. Anderson, Sloan Kettering, John's Hopkins. I have two lower jaw teeth missing because of radiation damage and can not get implants either.

    Let us know if you find something.
  • Ingrid K
    Ingrid K Member Posts: 813
    #3
    ljoy said:

    Dental
    I don't know of any. I would suggest checking with major cancer centers such as M.D. Anderson, Sloan Kettering, John's Hopkins. I have two lower jaw teeth missing because of radiation damage and can not get implants either.

    Let us know if you find something.

    ljoys suggestion is the same
    ljoys suggestion is the same advice I would have given. Most of the major cancer centers have dental oncologists on staff that would have much more experience in treating cancer patients and Iwould start there. Don't know where you live but if near Chicago, you have the Univ of IL- Chicago and Loyola Medical (Cardinal Bernadin Cancer Center). Your regular dentist would not have the experience to treat post Rad patients. Hope you find help.
  • jdeau9
    jdeau9 Member Posts: 2
    #4
    Ingrid K said:

    ljoys suggestion is the same
    ljoys suggestion is the same advice I would have given. Most of the major cancer centers have dental oncologists on staff that would have much more experience in treating cancer patients and Iwould start there. Don't know where you live but if near Chicago, you have the Univ of IL- Chicago and Loyola Medical (Cardinal Bernadin Cancer Center). Your regular dentist would not have the experience to treat post Rad patients. Hope you find help.

    Thanks
    Thanks for the suggestions. I'll post updates when I find a solution.
  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
    #5
    jdeau9 said:

    Thanks
    Thanks for the suggestions. I'll post updates when I find a solution.

    lower jaw?
    Assuming the lower jaw is in place you can get implants on this bone after hyperbaric treatment and the success rate for this is better than the general non cancer population without cancer and without hyperbaric treatment. Now you just have to find someone to install something to chew against on the top jaw. Woman in my group has a titanium jaw bone up there. Someone has a solution for this.
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #6
    Hi jdeau


    Send an e-mail to Doctor Mark Chambers at MD Anderson he is there Chief Oncologic Dentistry and Prosthodontics Director. mchamber@mdanderson.org

    Wishing you good luck in you search for help
    Hondo
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #7
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • Rory1987
    Rory1987 Member Posts: 120
    #8
    Hi it seems like we have the
    Hi it seems like we have the same case I had plasmacytoma in my maxilla too and I had maxillectomy back in 2007. DOctors removed the roof of my mouth too. I went to a dentist and he made me an obturator, mine was removable and had a silicone plug to seal the air and make my speech more audible.
  • Snow 23
    Snow 23 Member Posts: 1
    edited September 2018 #9
    Dental Implants?

    Hi!  I am 7 years cancer free!!  I had head and neck cancer that recurred in my lymph nodes behind my right ear.  Chemotherapy, radiation, and 7 months off work.  I was doing so well with regaining my health, including eating again, until about 2 years ago.  I have no functioning salivary glands, and my lower teethe are all starting to loosen.  My dentist finally said he could do nothing more to help me, and referred me for consultation for dental implants to be used as anchors for a denture.  I had hope again!  But 7 months after consultation I am no closer to a solution.  Insurance will not touch this, which my physicians and I have appealled.  I don't  understand why breast reconstruction is covered for breast cancer patients but implants that could help me to chew again are not.  I have dysphagia and an esophageal stricture, so finding a way to chew is hopefully finding a way for me to live a "normal" life.  Has anyone found any physicians or cancer centers that address these late effect issues?  I want so much to be able to consume real food againFrown.  Grateful for being cancer free, but so afraid of what is happening to me now.  Thank you for any information.   

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,484 Member
    #10
    Snow 23 You Are

    going through a difficult time for sure. I don't have any info to help you but just wanted to voice support. Pray you find answers and I have been in situations where in this journey I was a bit unsettled and fearful for what is next. I know how you feel and this site is a great place someone will have an answer to help. In the meantime God Bless, prayers your way-Russ

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