I finished my IMRT in June '07 for left tonsil ca. I now have some decay on the most back tooth on the radiated side which had a root canal years ago and is also an anchor for a bridge. My DDS referred me to an oral surgeon and they both consulted with my RO. My DDS said that if I want to try and save the tooth, he will remove the bridge and try to fill the cavity. He says that the tooth, already being weak from a root canal, might not be strong enough to hold the bridge again. If the tooth cannot be saved, they recommend that I go for HBO Tx and have the tooth extracted. I asked about having implants and they advised against them. Why can some oral ca radiated patients have implants and others not?

Nine years out. New normal with limitations, but surviving and living life to the fullest.