teeth

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abbimom
abbimom Member Posts: 87 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

I had tongue cancer 16 years ago.  Been having a battle with my teeth ever since.  I keep losing teeth and the dentist do not give me options to replace them. They make is sound like I can't have dental implants or dentures because of the radiation damage.  I know many of you have dental issues and any ideas on what to do would be great.  At this rate I will be toothless before I turn 40! Thank you

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  • Josephwc
    Josephwc Member Posts: 69
    #2
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    Very interesting I can't wait

    Very interesting I can't wait to read some responsee. Ice been warned and I'm trying to brush often but ai hear it is going to be a battle. Sixteen years. Wow you are a trooper!

  • TracyLynn72
    TracyLynn72 Member Posts: 839
    edited June 2016 #3
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    same.

    First, congrats on the 16 years!!  That's awesome!

    I'm just about 3 years out and have had cavity after cavity after cavity.  I brush, floss, rinse and take AMAZING care of my teeth, but the rads are coming back to bite me. (almost literally!)

    I lost 1/4 of my jaw due to cancer so I am not a candidate for implants.  Plus I can't afford them!  I am trying to hold on to the teeth I still have but not sure what my other options would be.  I'm curious to see replies on this thread as well. 

  • SASH
    SASH Member Posts: 421 Member
    #4
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    Teeth

    I'm in the same boat, but I did find a Maxillary surgeon who had a treatment plan for me in order to get implants.  I only needed lowers, because I was down to 4 front teeth in the front, which makes it very hard to chew food.

    I went through 38 Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment dives before surgery to remove the rest of my lower teeth.  They then evened out my lower jaw and put in 4 posts for implants.  10 more Hyperbaric Oxygen dives after surgery then time to heal.  Another surgery to uncover the posts and I'm getting ready to have hopefully, with insurance paying for it, for a permanent lower implant. 

    I have plenty of bone damage in my lower jaw, but there was enough for the posts to be implanted. 

    I would suggest talking to your Rad Onc for a recommendation of someone that specializes in highly radiated mouths to get work done.  This is something that shouldn't be done just by any dentist, as we have some very specific obstacles that have to be taken into consideration before any work is done.

  • Noellesmom
    Noellesmom Member Posts: 1,859 Member
    #5
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    Dentures

    My husband had poor quality teeth his whole life.  They were chalky and would not hold fillings.

    All teeth were extracted on his oncologist's recommendation after hearing his dental history.  Healing held up starting radiation for a few precious weeks.  Waited a year post-treatment so a good fit could be achieved but Jim got dentures.  They were paid for by dental insurance and major medical as they were considered a necessity because of cancer treatment.

     

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #6
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    I have dentures....

    and it's hard for me to understand why dentures would be unuseable since they rest on the gum, and there is nothing invasive about them?  I'd check with my RO, also....maybe the dentist is worried about pulling the teeth you already have?  Lots of folks get the HBO treatments before any major dentistry....and the RO is the one who is in the know.

    p

  • donfoo
    donfoo Member Posts: 1,771 Member
    #7
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    ORN

    For those treated with radiation, ORN is a real potential issue. Before getting any dental procedure that impacts the jawbone, please consult with experienced professionals that have plenty experience treating oral cancer patients.

    There are numerous procedures that do not disturb the jawbone and that should be a major goal of any dental procedure as ORN is a very very serious long term oral cancer side effect.

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