Just checking in and long term effect issue

PJ47
PJ47 Member Posts: 376
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Hello to all of the new members and the oldies but goodies.

Past the 2 year mark Dec 27 2015 and have been great until the mouth problems returned.  Not complaining as I can swallow, eat, talk etc and am gratefull for that!

So far in the past 2 years have had 12 cavitites, canker sores when having dental work, developed sensitivity to latex. Although my dentist said at last check up I was good, a week later I had an abscess on my tooth he thought went to the bone.  Put me on amoxicillin and had the tooth pulled two days ago.  Was feeling really crappy with joint/bone pain in body and of course the throbbing tooth ache.  Feeling great now, guessing  the infection had systemic effect.  Wanted to mention a few things I learned from the abscess experience.  General dentist wanted to pull it do a bone graft, and then put an implant in my jaw (upper tooth #13).  Went to an oral surgeon for second opinion and he said no way we do that with head and neck cancer patients who have had radiation.  He pulled the tooth, cleaned the infection out,  added 5 more days of Amoxicillan, and is watching it to ensure there is no sign of infection prior to taking the next steps.  I almost got talked into doing something that may have been harmful.  Bone grafts can harbor anaerobic bacteria.  I also learned that my Dental insurance co.,  Cigna will cover flouride treatments and sealants at no charge for head and neck cancer patients (MD must confirm dx).  So a bit late as I could have prevented 12 dental caries and have paid for flouride treatments myself.  Most dentists in my area do not accept what insurance allows and will file for you but you must pay up front and then get reimbursed by insurance.  Anyway, just thought I waould pass this on for those of you who will be needing dental care following radiation.

Best wishes to all who have cancer and to their families,

PJ

Comments

  • MrsBD
    MrsBD Member Posts: 617 Member
    #2
    Good to hear

    Good to hear from you! I'm glad you're doing well but sorry about the dental issues. You were wise to get a second opinion. We don't have dental insurance,  but I still see the dentist every three months for a check. He orders a special fluoride toothpaste for me. I'm also a fanatic about flossing. So far, no cavities at 16 months out of treatment. I hope you continue to feel great!

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #3
    Great to see you here,

    Patti....sorry to hear about the teeth problems, but it's great to forewarn people about getting sucked into something that could be disasterous.  Though implants sound like the bees knees, I'd damn sure be talking to someone who knows about HNC patients and the damage caused by rads....getting the wrong dentist could be worse than treatment.  Glad you're a smart cookie, and checked it all out.

    p

  • wmc
    wmc Member Posts: 1,804
    #4
    Mostly good news...

    Please remember to take probiotics or eat yogurt when you take any antibiotics. They kill the good bacteria the same as the bad. You need to replace the good for digestion. 

    Bill

  • the_wife
    the_wife Member Posts: 184
    #5
    wmc said:

    Mostly good news...

    Please remember to take probiotics or eat yogurt when you take any antibiotics. They kill the good bacteria the same as the bad. You need to replace the good for digestion. 

    Bill

    Thanks for the valuable tips,

    Thanks for the valuable tips, PJ. We'll be sure to do our homework before any major dental work is done. The hardest part is finding a good dentist. I hate that it seems harder to "shop around" for a dentist like you can for other providers. 

    Good to know that dental insurance companies will deny these claims as not being part of routine care, and that you have to inform them it's actually part of your medical care. The dentist my husband saw at his cancer clinic provided us with a letter for just that scenario and said to call them if we have issues. Those dental charges can really add up fast!

    Congrats on 2 years!

  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #6
    Hi PJ

    Yes never pull a tooth without your ENT or Ocla doctor knowing about it for the rest of your life; Just glad you got everything done that you needed done. Back when I was having teeth problems I was sent to MD Andersen in Houston, it was a long drive but it was with some of the best dentist and doctor who were all on the same playing field as I was, It was like Being in good hands, but not with  (All States) ha ha ha

     

    Tim

  • PJ47
    PJ47 Member Posts: 376
    #7
    Hondo said:

    Hi PJ

    Yes never pull a tooth without your ENT or Ocla doctor knowing about it for the rest of your life; Just glad you got everything done that you needed done. Back when I was having teeth problems I was sent to MD Andersen in Houston, it was a long drive but it was with some of the best dentist and doctor who were all on the same playing field as I was, It was like Being in good hands, but not with  (All States) ha ha ha

     

    Tim

    Hey Hondo

    You made me laugh.I am waiiting for the tooth fairy to leave some big bucks under my pillow so I can fix my new toothless grin, but she keeps flying past my house.

    PJ

  • PJ47
    PJ47 Member Posts: 376
    #8
    phrannie51 said:

    Great to see you here,

    Patti....sorry to hear about the teeth problems, but it's great to forewarn people about getting sucked into something that could be disasterous.  Though implants sound like the bees knees, I'd damn sure be talking to someone who knows about HNC patients and the damage caused by rads....getting the wrong dentist could be worse than treatment.  Glad you're a smart cookie, and checked it all out.

    p

    Hey there Phrannie

    You have been in my thoughts quite a lot lately, hope you are doing well with your treatments.

     I was NOT a very smart cookie when in pain and in the dentist chair and basically agreed to his plan of care until i felt a bit better and got some of my wits back.  Hard to think clearly when in pain if you know what I mean. It makes us so vulnerable.  Yes implants are the rage now due to the amount of income generated I suspect.  At this point will wait and see as the tooth in front of the one that was abscessed and extracted looks to be cracked so I may end up loosing a second one.  But all of this seems like minor stuff in the big picture of head and neck ccancer. 

     

    I am so happy when I read that many on this board have gone on to get second opinions about their treatment and often it has been invaluable.  It can be confusing when you have differeing opinions, but at least you often have some options at a time when options seem bleak. 

    I may have a toothless grin when I see you this summer!  This gives a new meaning to "aging backwards"  remember when you were 6?  Hahaha

    PJ

     

  • PJ47
    PJ47 Member Posts: 376
    #9
    wmc said:

    Mostly good news...

    Please remember to take probiotics or eat yogurt when you take any antibiotics. They kill the good bacteria the same as the bad. You need to replace the good for digestion. 

    Bill

    Hi Bill

    Always on probiotics whether I need them or not!  Thank you for your thoughts!

    PJ

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