Hi Amber,

You still haven't indicated whether your Dad is getting treated at a major cancer center. When you see this dentist, you may be surprised to find that he recommends pulling some or even all of the teeth. Sometimes they pull anything that is in the field of radiation. This is not always necessary and depending on what you feel the condition of your father's teeth is, I would seek a second opinion from another maxillofacial prosthodontist that treats cancer patients.

As to payment, I needed a letter of medical necessity to have the teeth pulled in the hospital and to have it covered. However, medical would not cover the partials I needed which cost over $15000. Unless there is some major problems with decay that can't be repaired or the roots, I would try to keep the teeth. It is hard enough to eat after radiation without not having any teeth to chew it with.

Take care,
Eileen