John has had a "sore" on the back of his tongue since the middle of April. He made an appointment with his ENT for a routine check up the beginning of May. He looked at it with a light, scoped him, physical exam etc. His conclusion was that it was an abrasion from his mouth being dry and rubbing on his molar. John had an appointment with his dentist last Tuesday for a cleaning and check up. He checked the spot and also didn't seem concerned about it but gave him a referral to see an Oral Surgeon. He also has a root canal that has failed and wanted him to also check that tooth for possible extraction. I of course printed out information for John on the Marx protocol for any extractions done after radiation treatments.

So today John had his appointment with the oral surgeon. He looked at the sore on his tongue and didn't seem to think it was anything to be concerned about. He looked at the x-rays for the tooth that had the failed root canal. He told John he recommends having the root canal redone but that his 4 wisdom teeth should be extracted. He said to use vitamin E oil on the sore and if it is still there in 6 - 8 weeks that he would remove the entire thing and biopsy it. He said he would contact John's RO and find out exactly what areas they radiated and that if they used enough "shields" he shouldn't need HBO dives before extractions.

Neither John or myself feel very comfortable or confident with this information.

My questiono is how can we find an oral surgeon or dentist who deals with post-radiation issues? We live in the Philadelphis Suburbs. Wanda

Hi, Wanda, I am sorry that you and John are having some issues now. Would you consider going into Philadelphia to an oral surgeon at Penn? The Oral Max Department deals with post radiation patients all the time. That is where Clark goes for any oral issues and we have been very pleased with the care there. It only takes us 20-25 minutes to get there from our town. I can PM you a name and number if you want one.

Anita

Absolutely! Thank you so much.

If they are suggesting John go thru with 4 extractions without doing the Marx Protocol then its time to find a new dental professional. This is something very important so that John doesnt have far bigger problems down the road with his jaw fracturing easily or dying (osteoradionecrosis). Im so glad you know what isnt sound advice and will seek out a more up to date oral surgeon. Many of us see a prosteodontist for our post rads sensitive dental issues. Try calling your insurance company and asking for a prosteodontist. They should have more training and experience with oral cancer patients.

Since John has been thru oral cancer it isnt good advice to wait 6 - 8 weeks before he is checked. Does John go to an ENT for check ups? Thats who manages my check ups even though I also see my MO every 6 months too.

Good luck!!!

Thanks Christine. John's ENT is his go to guy. He saw him the beginning of May.

Amen to all those who posted a response. Good luck, Wanda! You are a great care taker for John. He's lucky to have you.