Here's a topic I know a number of survivors have encountered - dental issues. I'm curious what happened to you, what your doctors recommended, what treatment you received, what type of doctor you saw, and how the treatment worked out. Also, anyone with long-term daily pain - what medication have you used?

I was first diagnosed with SCC of the lateral tongue in 6/2005 and had RT Feb-Apr 2006 (33 treatments).

The radiation was concentrated on my tongue and lower jaw (front and right side) and about a year after treatment my 4 lower front teeth started to loosen (the lateral and central incisors).

I went through 45 HBOT treatments in 2008 and another 30 treatments in 2013. The HBOT in 2008 was for non-healing ulcers plus the loose teeth, and the 2013 HBOT was because I was having the teeth removed.

On top of the loose teeth, my jaw (where radiated) has always been painful and the soft tissue in my oral cavity is also tender, painful and very sensitive to hot or spicy foods.

The pain level varies and usually isn't severe, but it is constant. I still take pain meds to help with the pain. My doctors feel the pain can be from nerve damage from the RT.

I've been to a number of dental specialists (prothodontist, periodontist, and oral surgeons) for a consultation and also treatment, and also my two ENTs that have treated me.

We briefly discussed implants, but most of the doctors felt that procedure was too risky for me. I do have ORN in that part of my jaw.

In 12/2012 I had my two central incisors removed, and in 5/2013 had the two lateral incisors removed. My oral surgeon who removed the teeth recommended I wait a few months for healing purposes before having the bridge (a 10 tooth bridge) installed, and I just started that process last week.