Hello Everyone, Hope all is going well. My questions is, I finished Chemo and Radiation treatments in Nov 2008. BOT & Lymph Nodes on the left side. In August of 2011 I needed 2 teeth removed, I did 30 HBOTs before and 10 more after the extractions, these were ordered by my ENT. I am now in terrible pain and need 5 more teeth removed, my ENT says not till I do more HBOTs. My Oral Surgeon who I need because of limited mouth opening and a well known, respected surgeon from the Cleveland Clinic says NO. He says once you do HBOTs, You are good for life, there is no proof that doing any more will do anything else???? Does anyone have any experience going thru this or can give me some input? Thank You all very much. Randy in Eastern Ohio

I have read that the effect of HBOT does last for some time afterwards, how long I am not sure. Some here have had the treatment so they will chime in. Welcome to OCF.

Welcome to OCF! Ive done several rounds of HBO. My grand total is 215 dives! Why? Because they are only effective for short periods of time. The time frame probably is like everything else, it varies depending upon the situation and person. I know for certain that you need HBO again. If your oral surgeon insists its not necessary, in my opinion they arent the best qualified to treat OC patients. Please understand I do not have a medical background but I am very experienced in HBO. I am also a very cautious person, better to do the HBO to help ensure less of a chance of having osteoradionecrosis (broken/dying jaw bone) down the road.

I did 30 HBOT in 2011 for a tooth extraction after 70Gy, bilaterally for tonsil, lymph node cancer. I need all my teeth extracted now, and in my 4th week of HBOT. I finish on Thursday, and scheduling my surgery with my CCC Oral/Maxillofacial surgeon upon his return from vacation. All my doctors at the CCC agreed I have to do HBOT. Other factors include the radiation dosage, I read anything above 60Gy, some say 45Gy, and depends on areas radiated, and teeth involved. Mandible is usually affected more by ORN than maxamilla. There is probably some debate if HBOT is effective at all, by some, but the risk is so devastating that HBOT is usually sided with. If root canal can be done, that may be preferred, and no need for HBOT.

Good luck.

Randy,

I first time I had HBOT was in 2008 and was told by my doctors back then that is was good for at least 5 years.

I started having more dental issues in 2012, and needed some teeth extracted in 2013. Oral surgeon didn't think more HBOT was necessary, ENT did. Knowing all the potential problems that could happen, I was glad my ENT pushed for the HBOT.

After the dental extraction, the next step was a bridge. Oral surgeon had me wait at least 6 months before he would OK for work to start on the bridge.

It took about 4-5 months to finally get the permanent bridge installed. I am not really happy with it and having some other problems including a very painful tooth next to the bridge.

One option is to have that tooth pulled which I am trying to avoid. So I'm being really cautious what I eat and I'm still on pain medicine. It was just about one year after I finished the last round of HBOT when I started having problems with this tooth. Asked my ENT if I would need HBOT again, and he said yes! I didn't think it would be necessary again since this tooth was not on the side that received radiation, but I was told that the blood supply is still compromised on that side.

It seems the medical folks cannot agree on what to do. With 5 teeth involved, it is probably a good idea to do the HBOT again.

Hi Randy, I had three teeth extracted and definitely needed HBO treatment, healing is coming along very slow. But I would do it again if I needed it and Christine has been through a lot. Make sure the doctors are very knowledge with cancer, radiation and ORN, good luck, Michele

Keep in mind, HBOT is also an excellent treatment for radiation induced fibrosis as well. A big plus.

Thank You everyone for your input. My ENT and Oral Surgeon had a conference and decided that I will have the HBO Treatments. Will start on Thursday 8/28/14
Best Regards Randy

Diagnosis 5/22/08 High Grade Invasive SCC Base of Tongue
Left side Neck Lynph Nodes
T1N2M0
4 rounds Taxotere, Cisplatin, 5FU
35 Radiation Treatments W/ Carboplatin
Total of 70 Gray
40 HBOT in 2011 for 2 teeth Extractions

Glad to see this update! I was concerned about the one physician advising about skipping HBO. They sure are a pain in the butt taking up so much time but its definitely worth avoid other bigger risks.

Good luck!!!

Question: what is induced fibrosis? Thanks Just trying to be informed, Michele

Radiation induced fibrosis is a build up of scar tissue caused by radiation.

Radiation induced fibrosis is used to describe fibrosis caused by radiation.