"Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 580 | Tammy, I assume from your last post that all of your teeth will be extracted. I offer you the following information based on my experiences in my education and in the treatment of my patients. I know that not all institutions have the same guidelines, offer the same services or have the same level of expertise in this situation. I am lucky in my region to have a Prosthodontist who limits his practice to the reconstruction of OC & H&N cancer patients, trauma patients and patients with facial deformities. He is a member of our cancer centre's tumour board and is consulted on all cases that involve the jaws and potential for tooth loss prior to surgery. He provides advice on surgical options, implants, maxillofacial reconstruction and radiation fields. He, through his 30+ years of experience in this area, also helps the surgeons decide on their surgical margins so that a stable, well fitting and comfortable prosthesis can be constructed. It is common place for transitional (temporary) dentures to be fitted after the surgery is completed while the patient is still under general anaesthetic. Sometimes these are left in place sometimes they are not. I do not know the criteria for this. I was fortunate to have him as a professor when I was a dental student. So, Tammy, I guess you need to find out if there is such a person in your area and if so ask about transitional denture treatment. I know in my region that it is available and is quite costly because most insurance companies don't cover transitional dentures and it is not a covered treatment under our public health care program. With that said, I know he routinely provides transitional dentures.
I hope you find this useful. E-mail me if you have any questions.
Take care.
Mike
Dentist since 1995, 12 year Cancer Survivor, Father, Husband, Thankful to so many who supported me on my journey so far, and more than happy to comfort a friend. Live, Laugh, Love & Learn.
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