I want to start by saying Hello! And apologizing because I have been MIA since completing treatment and going back to work. Happy to report that my follow up PET came back with no evidence of reoccurrence and metastatic disease! But now I am faced with a new challenge, actually I'm somewhat in the middle of it. Due to the pain I was having eating out of nowhere I found out I have to have my wisdom teeth removed. My RO asked why we didn't do this before radiation but I'm not the doctor! I'm 26 and thought people only have this done when it hurts! Sooo - today I complete my 20th session in the Hyperbaric Chamber, tomorrow is surgery and I have to complete 10 more HBO sessions after surgery. I didn't start getting nervous until right now. My boyfriend keeps saying this is nothing like what I've been through already but I've heard of people getting something called "dry socket" after wisdom teeth extraction. I'm only 7 months post radiation so I'm sure my soft tissue is definitely not what it used to be. My oral surgeon is the same doctor who did my biopsy and I do trust him a lot. Just feeling a bit of angst this morning! Anyone have any advice or experience on this topic? Hope everyone is doing well. Sending lots of love from AZ. Xoxo

-MissB

I'm not sure if others here have had the wisdom teeth done, but I know some have had extractions - what your doing is right - the HBO - hopefully this will help you heal. I too still have my wisdom teeth and am hoping never to have to have them removed. Hopefully things will go well. The best thing about it is the fact that you are young and will likely heal quickly. The scary thing is you are still so close to rads having finished. But it sounds like you are doing well, so that is definitely in your favor. The HBO should help with tissue perfusn and promote healing post extraction. Best of luck and I'm sure you'll come out ok. Hugs! And congrats on the clear scan and getting on with life.

[u]MissB,

I am sure others will respond regarding post radiation dental extractions but I want to give you some advice about that dry socket. Dental experts, correct me if I am wrong but a dry socket occurs when the blood clot that plugs the hole
where the tooth comes out is disturbed and the socket is exposed. It hurts and in my case made me very sick...like I had the flu and stomach virus all at once.

To help avoid losing that blood clot, keep your nausea under control. After a wisdom tooth removal, I took some of the pain meds prescribed by the dentist and they made me very nauseated....I vomited and washed out that clot....bingo...dry socket. Also follow all directions on what and when you can eat and drink.

Once the gum heals over, then the dry socket issue is no more.

Good luck! I am sure you will be ok,

Deb

Three months after radiation in 2011, I had a tooth infection/abscess in the back wisdom tooth, which was to get extracted. My RO, MO and Orthopedic surgeon said I needed HBO first. I was to have 20 dives, have the tooth extracted, then do another 10. Due to being hospitalized next, possible recurrence, etc. I never had it extracted, and infection cleared with the 30 dives, and antibiotics. I had other issues to deal with, so I never had it done. Now, during my recent treatment, I developed an ulcer in the same area which required a visit the dental oncologist. He did not want to do anything during treatmrnt, so I have to go back, and discuss HBO and extraction. Good luck

HBO is going to help you get past this. Dry socket is something everyone needs to be aware of as a possible side effect from removing teeth. What your situation is avoiding by doing the HBO is far worse, its osteoradionecrosis. That means death of your jaw bone. With doing HBO it will help avoid these issues. Follow your doctors orders and you should be fine. Try not to worry about 'what if'. Too often we fear the unknown and worry about things we have no control over. This doesnt help you at all, try to stay busy and focus on other more positive ways to spend your time.

Good luck tomorrow!!!!

Thanks for all the info and encouragement! Currently laying in bed with my sweet puppy keeping me company. All hopped up on pain meds. Haha Everything seems to have gone well, not sure if I'll feel up to doing HBO tomorrow but will definitely try to make it if I can. I know I shouldn't drink through a straw to prevent dry socket and I've never had any issues with Percocet making me sick so I'm sure I won't have to worry about nausea/vomiting. At any rate, thanks for all the love. Even thought I may not post a lot anymore I am still around reading every so often and couldn't be happier to have found this wonderful place. Sending chipmunk smiles from AZ!

-MissB

Feel better and heal quickly!!! sending you good wishes.