The most frustrating part of my recovery recently has been the way that the radiation has effected my teeth. I am very diligent about flossing, brushing, and using my fluoride trays every night, but every time I go to the dentist there are more cavities. My dentist was actually the one who discovered my cancer and who ordered the biopsy, so I really trust him. The hygienist, also, is very understanding and is very careful when she cleans my teeth (she has a cousin w/oral cancer) I guess what I am asking is how soon do we forget about all the patching, and just pull the teeth and get dentures? My dentist feels we need to wait and make sure there is no bone damage first. What was everybody else's experience?

Sorry you are having teeth troubles. That can be very painful. Dont be too quick to have your teeth removed. Even with your dental problems, it still is alot better than having dentures. If you do decide to go the denture route, you will need hyperbaric oxygen treatments (HBO). Its called marx protocol, 20 before and 10 after.

My teeth really got hit hard with the radiation. I used the fluoride trays but I still had after effects of radiation. My teeth became very loose and crooked. I could barely eat with them so I had them removed to get dentures. Unfortunately, I had my 3rd round of OC before I could get the dentures made. With all the problems I have had with healing, I will never be able to get a set of working dentures. I will be able to one day get a top set which is only for looks. This will depend on if my mouth ever heals enough to handle having the mold made.

Thanks, Christine. I am fortunate that both my dentist and hygienist are aware of my problems. They both have been very supportive. My teeth aren't really painful, but every time I go for a check-up there are more cavities, it's very frustrating. But I have to be glad that even though the radiation really did a number on my teeth, it, along with the chemo seems to have stopped the cancer, at least for now. This form of cancer is really the pits, isn't it? I know that I had no idea what was involved until I actually got it. My mom died of ovarian cancer but in a way, this is worse.

I feel your pain!. I am about 18 months post tx and doing pretty good. Still some eating ptoblems and have not regainned my weight (maybe that is OK). I had zero cavities for 30 years and I was good with my teeth, now it hs all gon downhill. I have had several cavities and a broken tooth. I am RELIGIOUS about flossing, water pick, trays, brushing. my next check up in in April. Like you I have a good dentist and I have 3 cleanings a year now. When I talked to my cancer dentist he told me to be more dilligent and if I get another cavity, use the trays twice a day

I like my teeth and want to keep them!!!!

Steve

My husband is also having major teeth issues. He has basically been living at the dentist for the past 6 months. He is doing everything to keep his teeth but it certainly is expensive for dental repairs. I even have the "enhanced" dental plan. I don't understand why insurance doesn't cover more when it comes to dental issues. The kicker is my husband's father was a dentist and my husband has also been very deligent with his dental care. The after affects of this cancer just seem to go on and on and on.

I now go to the dentist every 3 months instead of every six. I would like to keep my teet, too, but sometimes I think that it would be easier to just pull them. I've gotten to the point that I dread going to the dentist more than going to the cancer center!

I meant teeth! LOL

Zengalib - you just made my day! And it was one that started out with not being able to sleep past 3:30am! Well worth staying up for, I must say. ROTFLOL! Fyi: I would also like to keep my teet, too. This is off subject, but seriously (really!) I heard about a lady that had her teet grafted to her inner thigh so that after her breast cancer surgery, she could have it grafted back to the right place and keep it where it belonged.

They pulled all of my teeth and my gums are dead, so no dentures for this guy
Oh how I wish I would have let them rot one at a time. Keep them as long as possible, It's been over 3 yrs since I had decent chewable food. I will say that now , smeeling good steak or anything cooking doesn't bother me. I grab my oatmeal and pretend. LOL

I was one that went to the Dentist every 4 months too. even my Dentist can't believe my teeth are history.