Has anyone had gum bone replacement?

hkheng
hkheng Member Posts: 1 *
edited July 2022 in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Hi All,

I have lost my gum bone or my left face has a hole since they removed my gum bone, tonsil, and my mouth turned out small (less than an inch opening). This is due to my 2nd tumor in my nose in 2019 after the first one in my throat in 2014. I had two times radiation and chemo treatments 2014 and 2019. Now, my left face sunken in and of course my teeth are all gone. My top left gum removed. There are some nerves damaged already under my nose. And many more of side effects, etc. To make a story short, I'd like to know if anyone has experience of this similar situation and can give me some advice on face reconstruction or gum bone replacement. Thanks, Hean

Comments

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,464 Member
    #2

    Hean, I have not had experience with any similar situation myself, but over the years there have been several on here that have had the jaw replacement. They take a bone from your leg usually for this procedure.


    Can a jaw bone be replaced?

    Your jaw may be rebuilt using bone from another part of your body (the donor site). The bone may be taken from your fibula, which is the smaller of the 2 bones in your lower leg. An artery, vein, and soft tissue will also be removed with the bone.

    Hopefully, some of them are still monitoring this site and will offer their input.

    Your case looks a little more involved so you may want to go to a major hospital in your area for a specialist in your type of situation, or a teaching hospital sometimes is a good place for more involved problems. Check with your ENT about referring you to a specialist he should have ways to connect you to the right specialists to handle your particular situation.

    Also, I am Wishing You the Best.

    Take Care God Bless-Russ

  • Sonja.K
    Sonja.K Member Posts: 80 Member
    #3
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/325219/has-anyone-had-gum-bone-replacement

    Hi Helen, I had a tumor in my lower jaw bone in 2014. I had the lower jaw removed and had the choice of a titanium jaw or the replacement from my leg. I decided on a titanium jaw. I do not have any lower teeth, have no problems and have a fully functioning jaw. I can get a lower for cosmetic reasons but cannot chew on it because it could damage the titanium. I recently talked to my surgeon about it because I am getting that "sinking in" look and he told me there has been amazing progress with synthetic bone and it is likely I could get implants with it. I have not gone to see a reconstructive surgeon yet, I do not feel like starting all of that at this time. Maybe some day.

    Sending my best to you, Sonja

  • dl_corkie
    dl_corkie Member Posts: 1 Member
    #4

    Hello Hean. Every case is different, but my situation is similar to Sonja. In Jan 2021 I had cancer in my lower jaw. It was in the tissue (gum) of the front teeth and just starting to encroach in the bone. The surgeons opted to remove my jaw and sparing only about 2" on each side (where the rear molars would be). Going in to surgery, they said that they would spare three teeth on the right side (due to a previous cancer diagnosis and treatment, all the teeth were already removed on the left side). When I woke up from surgery, they only saved one tooth, a molar. Needless to say, I was devastated. Eating has not been easy. I also have trismus due to surgery/radiation on the left side, from 2018/2019.

    The surgeons did a jaw reconstruction. They used my left fibula and skin for the reconstruction. The transplanted skin was sutured to my lower lip and over the new bone. There is no cuff for dentures, so new teeth isn't a straight forward procedure. Although, I recently got the "go ahead" to consult a prosthodontist, for implants (lower) and possibly dentures (upper). But...I just got diagnosed (again) with oral cancer.

    I hope this helps. If you're able, please consult with a reconstructive surgeon or your health care team to start.

    Best Regards,

    Diana

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,464 Member
    #5

    Diana, welcome to CSN H&N forum. Sorry, you ended up finding this place but hopefully, this will help you and give you some support. You have certainly endured some of the worst situations that can occur when dealing with H&N cancers. So sorry to hear that cancer is plaguing you again, continued cancers are not easy to deal with physically or mentally, it wears on you, and instead of reaching a time of rest it seems you have to enter the battle again. Please keep us updated and we will support you as best we can. If you like you may also private message me.

    Wishing You the Best

    Take Care God Bless-Russ

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