Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | They did this to me in 1997. Extracted all my 16 rear teeth and then refused to make me any dentures temporary or otherwise because of the ridges in my gums from the surgery.
First question is: are all these extractions necessary? Mine were not. So get a second opinion. When it comes to getting replacememt teeth or partials, make certain you are dealing with a professional that treats cancer patients.
I had only my 6 upper and lower front teeth for over a year and a half and managed to be able to eat. I was like a rabbit. Couldn't eat anything that needed to be chewed on back teeth and all meats had to be cut to tiny portions because of radiation damage. Well 15000 1997 dollars and god knows how many dr appts later I finaly had partials that worked like a charm and even gave me saliva when I popped them in in the morning.
I guess my first question every time this dental issue comes up, is it really necessary? Losing lots of your teeth compromizes your ability to eat and heal. OCR is a problem but HBO treatments can help. Every case is different. I think second opinions on tooth extractions are a good idea.
Take care, Eileen
---------------------- Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
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