 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Angels,
If the teeth really need to be removed because there is a problem with them it would be very foolish to leave them in as it will be much more involved and more costly to do it later.
Bill,
Generally, today it is believed that if you have healthy teeth and have IMRT then it is not neccessary to have teeth extracted before radiation. It does take a real commitment to homecare and regular visits to the dentist to keep your teeth healthy.
Gary is a prime example of someone that has kept all of his teeth and has devoted a great deal of time and energy in doing this. He always posts whenever this topic comes up and it is often.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
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