This morning the Prosthodontist at the Cancer Center evaluated what remains of my molar (basically the root). He had the digital xrays from the endodontist and had spoken with him.

The Prosthondontist offices have moved into a new building (nice digs!) and they were having network problems so he apologized that he hadn't fully reviewed the actual Tomo dosimetry but said he had reviewed the planned dosimetry along with his and endodontist xrays. He felt the tooth (number 14) along with that area of my upper jaw should not have received enough GY's of RT to require HBO.

His recommendation was to put a gold post deep into a root of remains of the molar and although sub-optimal rebuild the bridge. He said in event it were to ever crack it could be safely extracted but might take a bit more time to heal, but my ENT could deal with that.

He will pass his evaluation on to my regular dentist (or recommend one) since their practice is limited to the Cancer Center patients needing evaluations and difficult reconstructions of medical necessity.

He said to check back after I get it fixed so he can replace my upper fluoride tray and that would be at no-charge as long as I promise to faithfully use it.

Next I met with one of my RO's. No network problems in her building, so she had reviewed all the dosimetry and told me that area of my upper jaw had received less than 20gy which is less than half the dose it takes to require HBO prior to an extraction or implant.

She mentioned that HBO is normally more necessary for lower jaw teeth than for upper jaw teeth, but to always have them check.

Also the Prosthondontist mentioned that HBO should not be given to a person with active cancer because it will fuel the growth of the cancer. I have never heard this before!