I have been hesitant to post on this topic once again. I am actually afraid of what I might hear back. Some background - Bob is 6 yrs. post chemoradiation. Last year a tooth was extracted, HBOT prior and after. No problems healing. 6 months later, sudden jaw pain & swelling, cleared with antibiotics. Pain has now returned.

I, of course, have been worried about ORN since initial dental problem. We have a wonderful local oral surgeon who advised consultation at cancer centers. We went to a dentist consulting at Dana-Faber in Boston and NYC. Bob is now at Institute for Head, Neck, & Thyroid Cancer, Mt. Sinai Hospital, NYC (several hrs. from our hone). Oral Surgeon, Dr. Daniel Buchbinder and ENT, Dr. Urken.

Based on 3D cone beam scan, the dx is very early stage necrosis of mandible. In addition, another tooth needs extraction. The team offers some hope that progression might be gradual, but no real way to determine how it will go.

My questions:
- I forgot to ask when cutting tooth down, leaving root intact is done. I will ask MD this directly, but wondering if anyone has info.

- I believe an Australian poster was advised to grind teeth down and let them fall out on own.

- Is there anything else I should do?

My husband is taking this in stride. I want to trust this team, but am anxious about lack of clear protocols and depressed about jaw replacement in our future.