Whatever needs to be done tooth wise, do it now, for several reasons being radiation damages the teeth directly, and by the dry mouth it causes to the terth by demineralization, and if any teeth need to be extracted after radiation Tx, you will need to do hyberbaric chamber treatment, 20 before extraction, 10 after, plus, if anything needs correcting in order to do treatment, insurance will usually pay for it, but not after, in case you have no or limited dental civerage, and afterwards may be considered cosmetic. You will need 2 weeks healing after an extraction to do radiation, and will probably need dental clearance.

Ask your dentist about dental trays, prescription fluoride. Some make vinyl dental guards to use during radiation to protect the mouth from radiation scatter from dental fillings if made from metal, and reduces damage. This may need to be coordinated with the radiation oncologist and or before the mask is fitting.

Good luck.


10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil
11/09 Taxo Cisp 5-FU, 6 Months Hosp
01/11 35 IMRT 70Gy 7 Wks
06/11 30 HBO
08/11 RND PNI
06/12 SND PNI LVI
08/12 RND Pec Flap IORT 12 Gy
10/12 25 IMRT 50Gy 6 Wks Taxo Erbitux
10/13 SND
10/13 TBO/Angiograph
10/13 RND Carotid Remove IORT 10Gy PNI
12/13 25 Protons 50Gy 6 Wks Carbo
11/14 All Teeth Extract 30 HBO
03/15 Sequestromy Buccal Flap ORN
09/16 Mandibulectomy Fib Flap Sternotomy
04/17 Regraft hypergranulation Donor Site
06/17 Heart Attack Stent
02/19 Finally Cancer Free Took 10 yrs