Hi all ! Love you all <3
I had 2 "lower first molars" pulled before my surgery and subsequent radiation. It was almost more traumatic than the cancer treatment itself. There was no time for my regular dentist to do any work beforehand as my oral tongue tumor grew so rapidly after my first biopsy.

I recently saw a very $$$$$ prothodontist who recommended that I get implants rather than a partial denture. She said it will be a permanent fix, rather than a plaque-attracting denture. This would involve a restoration of bone in both sides of my jaw, as the extractions and radiation caused bone loss.
Sooooo - her plan is to have a private oral surgeon assess me, and I would either have bone taken from some part of my body, or get bones from a bone bank (AKA cadaver bone).

My surgeons warned me after my treatments that this might not be the way to go due to ORN possibilities. They said to wait for 2 years before I even considered tooth replacement, and also said that dentures could be a problem if they rubbed on the radiated areas.

I am now at a crossroad. I only have one chewing surface at the back of my left jaw. I can sorta eat solid food, but it's not easy and I am very self-conscious about it. It is effecting my enjoyment of life.

My questions are:
Have any of you had to make this decision?
What was your experience?
Is the possibility of ORN for these procedures a big concern? (I am terrified of ORN and trismas at this point.)

I have read all I can on the main website - great info, but I just wondered if anyone had any personal experience with this. I also know that many SCC patients have lost all their teeth, or cannot eat by mouth at all. I admire your love of life. I was ready to die and did not fear it at all. Funny, but I had major depression before the cancer even happened. Now I'm coming out of it and could use your insights.

Thank you so much.