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#83476 11-04-2008 03:27 PM
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Today I went to the Dentist to let him look at a place that hasn't healed properly (where he had pulled a couple of teeth previously) and he said the bone in that area needs to be shaved as it is growing for some reason and wants to do it now. I couldn't get anymore from him other than he wanted to talk to my RO about it but I don't think I should be having dental work done while I am in treatment. So far I have had 15 radiation treatments and 3 chemo treatments. Has anyone had anything like that when they had teeth pulled? The bone basically appears to look like another tooth coming in above where the other tooth was located but it's a bone.

Thanks, Angel



SCC left tonsil, tonsillectomy with additional tissue removed 06/10/08, a few teeth on top left side removed 09/05/08,recurrence before treatment started at BOT and tonsil area, 35 IMRT treatments began 10/15/08, and Cisplatin IV (began10/16/08) weekly for duration of radiation.
angels1313 #83512 11-05-2008 06:03 AM
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You need to let your team of docs decide but I would agree with you that now would not be the best time to do anything inside your mouth. You have a full plate now and for weeks to come. Does your dentist really understand what the radiation is going to do to your OC? Maybe I'm missing something but shaving your bone does not sound pain free or something that heals in days. Hopefully Jerry or Mike will comment.


David

Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
davidcpa #83517 11-05-2008 06:29 AM
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David, I have so much on my plate right now with the many Dr. appts and chemo and daily rads that I don't think I could handle another problem just now. Day before yesterday I woke up and my neck is broken out with blisters and it seems they are spreading around to the front and sides of my neck. I don't have an appetite and I am trying to force myself to keep a few bites of food down and the Ensure (Ensure was provided for me from the patience assistance progran). I am battling trush. I drink a lot of water though. My hair is starting to come out in the back where I guess the radiation has caused but not to noticable, just at the base of the neck. And really overall, I feel I am actually doing good considering. lol

Thanksa for your comment. Angel


SCC left tonsil, tonsillectomy with additional tissue removed 06/10/08, a few teeth on top left side removed 09/05/08,recurrence before treatment started at BOT and tonsil area, 35 IMRT treatments began 10/15/08, and Cisplatin IV (began10/16/08) weekly for duration of radiation.
angels1313 #83554 11-05-2008 03:56 PM
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Angel,
I went into radiation with several biopsy sites on the gum over the bone that were not completely healed. Consequently I wound up with little bone spurs protruding through the gum towards the end of my radiation. The dental surgeon scraped these off so the gum could heal. Don't know if yours is the same situation but it sounds like it might be.

Take care,
Eileen


----------------------
Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
Eileen #83561 11-05-2008 04:28 PM
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Angel,
Not any kind of expert but wouldn't let anyone touch my
teeth while in radiation and only on an emergency afterward.
proceed very carefully and ask many questions.
I still have dental problems-and am so stubborn about it.
Good Luck!
Debbie



Partial mandibulectomy and neck dissection 2/3/07. T2NOMO.
Had 14 hour operation which included reconstruction of jaw.
Reconstruction failed. Some radiation, no chemo.
peace4uall #83572 11-05-2008 05:34 PM
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Eileen, I previously had the bone fragments to come through also, but this problem actually looks like a tooth trying to protrude through the side of my gum area but the Dentist (Oral Surgeon) says it's a bone and must be shaved down. Did yours heal pretty good? Thanks, Angel

Debbie, I totally agree. When they don't even want you to get a shot while you are going through treatments why would anyone do any dental work? I've been real happy with my DR. but I am unsure on this one. Thanks, Angel


SCC left tonsil, tonsillectomy with additional tissue removed 06/10/08, a few teeth on top left side removed 09/05/08,recurrence before treatment started at BOT and tonsil area, 35 IMRT treatments began 10/15/08, and Cisplatin IV (began10/16/08) weekly for duration of radiation.
angels1313 #83580 11-05-2008 07:46 PM
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Debbie,

Sorry that you are now going through additional problems. I really don't have any dental advice to offer in this situation, but I'm sure that your oral surgeon will clear any plans that he has with the RO.

Please keep us posted.

jerry


Jerry

Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.

"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
wilckdds #83612 11-06-2008 11:33 AM
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Angel,
I had no teeth in that area so was definitely bone spurs. The open area from the biospies did not heal until several months after radiation. The oral surgeon was removing these minor protuberences every two weeks during and for several months after radiation. Part of the healing problem is I have a very small mouth so tongue was rubbing up against these biopsied areaa and keeping them open.

I assusme they xrayed this so they know if it tooth or jawbone. So yes healing was a definite problem and they were very seriously thinking of hyperbaric oxygen when it finally magically healed some 4 or 5 months later.

Take care,
Eileen


----------------------
Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
Eileen #83707 11-07-2008 04:27 PM
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Eileen, I sure do hope that I don't end up in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber either. I am having a hard time with the rad's treatment and being confined as I am clotrophobic and have panic attacks when confined so I take Xanax to help me while I am going through treatments and it sure has helped.

My Dentist has xrayed it several times so I am sure he knows what he is talking about a lot more than I do. I am glad yours healed for you. Thanks, Angel


SCC left tonsil, tonsillectomy with additional tissue removed 06/10/08, a few teeth on top left side removed 09/05/08,recurrence before treatment started at BOT and tonsil area, 35 IMRT treatments began 10/15/08, and Cisplatin IV (began10/16/08) weekly for duration of radiation.
angels1313 #83712 11-07-2008 05:18 PM
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Most HBO chambers are non confining, take a book, sit up, and they are clear and you can see out. The only chamber that I was ever in that was confining, was a decompression chamber after a deep dive incident on normal air SCUBA while instructing.


Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
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