Tooth implant

Dean54
Dean54 Member Posts: 160 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

I had a back molar pulled prior to radiation treatment which I really miss as it was a main chewing tooth and now that it's gone I chew differently and have a tendency to bite the back of my tongue which is really painful.

I saw a dental surgeon who's willing to do the implant and has said my jaw bone is good eonough to handle it but am worried somewhat about the trauma to the jaw bone and the complications that could arise.

I have to make a decision as my dental insurance will run out soon. Has anybody had any luck getting one or more of these?

Comments

  • dk52
    dk52 Member Posts: 11
    #2
    Me too - Getting implants, had many questions

    I had to have 3 teeth pulled on my lower right side.  I did not know what was going on until it was too late. The radaiation was strongest there and cause gum damage and infections. Doc would give me an antibiotic, but a few weeks later I'd have infection again. Then I started using the colloidal silver in Sept and have had no infections since.  I've been working on this since late August 2018 and consulted with two of the best implant dentists in Naples Fl; both concluded that I have enough bone for two implants, but the third one will be attached to the others.  I'm going ahead with it after I find out the results of the fine needle biopsy on a nodule on my throid.   Read my story here:  https://csn.cancer.org/node/318529

  • tommyodavey
    tommyodavey Member Posts: 728 Member
    #3
    Hope it Works

    I too have a back molar that may need to be pulled if an Endodontist cannot do a root canal.  My dentist won't attempt it because the root is too small.  My fear is not being able to chew properly after it's gone.  Please keep this thread updated so we can see if the implant was successful.  My fear is my jaw not healing due to the rads.

    This subject has been discussed here a few times with no one saying it worked or didn't.  Or at least I can't remember.  Each case is different but if more of us have success then I'll give it try.

    Good luck going forward.

  • donfoo
    donfoo Member Posts: 1,773 Member
    #4
    Be sure

    If you had radiation during treatment it is important to ensure any dental treatment involving contact with the bone is reviewed before any decisions are made. Reviewing the radiation map used by the RO is vital to understand where the bone might be weakened. 

    HBOT is a procedure where oxygen is put into your system before operating in the bone and assists with healing and lessens the chance of ORN.

    Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment, Osteoradionecrosis 

    https://oralcancerfoundation.org/complications/osteoradionecrosis/

  • dk52
    dk52 Member Posts: 11
    #5
    Implant Surgery

    Replying to donfoo, yes my oral surgeon consulted with my oncologist about the rad map and they were well below the threshold that would require HBOT.  Yesterday the surgeon installed the implants and added more bone marrow around the front implant and included PRF therapy (platelet-rich fibrin).  Now to wait for 2-3 months for healing before getting the crowns attached.

  • Dean54
    Dean54 Member Posts: 160 Member
    #6
    Thanks for the replies

    I had a head cold about the time of the last apt. which gave some "breathing" room time to think about it and whether to follow thru.

    The oral surgeon did send over to the radiation center to make sure I was under the "rad" level for the implant which I was. If my insurance was gone I wouldn't go thru with it regardless of how much I miss the tooth but it's hard to overlook since it runs out soon.

    Part of me says forget it since I don't enjoy food anyway but if it helps me chew better and quit biting my tongue than I think I need to go for it. Next apt in a month.....

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,484 Member
    #7
    dk52 Thanks for the Info

    and glad your implant surgery went well. Interesting info on what they can do nowadays I never heard of adding bone marrow or the PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) therapy. It is amazing what is available these days to help with different health problems. Cancer and cancer-related treatments have continually improved over the years, we are blessed.

  • dk52
    dk52 Member Posts: 11
    #8

    Last summer I had three teeth pulled and learned to chew on the left side of my mouth. I only have the back molar and two incisors.  That hasn’t been a problem for me, except it's putting all the burden on one side.   I asked the dentist what would happen if I did nothing.  He said that the remaining teeth would gradually shift toward the vacant area, and my lower jaw whould appear sunken in.   In the long run there would be negative effect on the ride side of my mouth because the teeth aren’t being used. The teeth I'm not chewing with ache sometimes and he said that's from lack of use. So I have a huge area missing.  Considering all that, I did not go with dentures because of all the problems I've seen my mother have with hers, and a bridge was not going to be a good choice because the front tooth that the bridge would have to connect to is a small incisor tooth; it could be done, but might cause problems for that tooth.  Then what?...even more expense if that one broke.   Implants are more than double the other choices but permanent.   Dean54, if that missing molar was your back tooth, it looks like an implant is a good choice. 

  • Kleberj
    Kleberj Member Posts: 2
    #9
    Teeth destruction
     

     



    Posts: 1
    Joined: Mar 2019
    Mar 04, 2019 - 8:21 am





    In 2016 my brother was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the neck. He was in stage 4. Luckily it was confined.  For two months he received chemotherapy four times a week and radiation five times a week. Before treatment he was advised to have 13 teeth pulled out in order to avaod jaw reconstruction. He did. Now the rest of his teeth are rotting away because of the radiation. He went to the dentist and will most lily have to have some implants and bridge work done, or go for full dentures. His insurance company (Medicare with a supplement) has denied him any help and are sending him the paperwork to start an appeal. Obviously it is difficult for him to eat. Has anyone ever experienced this problem and have had success with getting coverage through dental of medical?

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