Team,

In a panic about teeth now. Starting work for 2 crowns in a.m. My dentist says I'll be fine for radiation after the crowns are done, but I don't think he has much, if any, experience with head-radiation patients.

I've read here that some get all their teeth pulled, some problem teeth and some back teeth. I've also read some horror stories of jaw destruction down the road because teeth became a problem.

Do most ROs refer to a dentist specializing in cancer patients? I contacted my local dental assn, and they had no idea how to find such dentists - suggested I call a few oral surgeons to see if they knew of any.

What have some of you done, and why? I'd appreciate your input.

Thx,

- Pam

44 at 10-26-2009 Dx; SCC, T2N2b, St.IV BOT; Rt. Tonsil out; PET 11-12-09 (3 spots); 3 rds Cisplatin, Taxotere and 5-FU started 11-19-09; PEG 12-24-09; 7 wks chemo-rads done 03-16-10. 06-28 CT/PET watching 1 node; PEG out; 11-15 CT - larger; 11-23 PET activity up; mrdc 12-21; 04-01-11 CLEAN SCANS! ; March 2018 new SCC - Meet with surgeon 4-4-18