Andrew,

My teeth were down to the gum lines, broken or chipped with the prior root canals and fillings falling out during the course of a short time. The oral surgeon basically didn't want to touch me without HBOT, which wasn't possible going through cancer treatments, and without a clear scan, which took about 2 years. All my 29 teeth were surgically removed, but you're right, other measures should be taken whenever possible to avoid extractions such as root canals.

Prior to ORN this year, my first tooth infection problem started in 2011, 3 months after radiation, in the mandible 3rd molar on the cancer side, which probably received more radiation in the mouth, which had some bone exposure, did HBOT, but didn't have it extracted due to a blood transfusion, and then a recurrence.

I have heard of taking prophylactic antibiotics, antivirals in other medical cases, but with that comes risk of resistance, other super infections, but you can ask. Maybe your blood work can be checked prior, but not sure what immune boosting strategies can be taken other than sleep, nutrition, and avoiding infections, but maybe if your wbc levels are low such cleaning can be delayed, use a lower scaling pressure, I was also told at times, more so when off antibiotics (Augmentin), to rinse my mouth out with salted warm water, and didn't always have to use chlorhexadine either.

Good luck.I had a scheduled visit tomorrow, but postponed it being the Pope is in town.