Corliss, I stopped biting my flap when it reduced in size a couple of weeks after surgery. I would be very distressed if I was traumatising it. Doctors do seem to think it's no problem in those early weeks at least but if it's long term, don't put up with it. Can you make a forcible suggestion to your ENT that this is causing your anxiety and is just not right. From what I've heard on here, the flap can be debulked or teeth can be removed or treated in such a way they don't bite through. I know the mouth guards stop you biting on it at night but if it's already damaged and you are worried about it, see someone. My strong feeling is that you shouldn't have to put up with this.

Hope you find a solution.


1996, ovarian cancer surgery + cisplatin and taxol.
September, 2007, SCC of left lateral tongue. Excision.
October, 2009 recurrence in scar tissue, T1NOMO. Free flap surgery from left wrist - neck dissection. 63 year old New Zealander. No chemo, no RT.
February, 2014. New primary in left buccal mucosa. Marginal mandibulectomy, neck dissection, right arm free forearm flap. T1N0M0 but third occurrence and some areas of concern: RT started 8 April and finished 19 May.