Hi Marcia
I had a tooth extraction (#2). My HBO treatments (30) were about half a year prior to that "procedure" and no additional HBO's were considered (and necessary). Mind you this was not a wisdom tooth. If I had to do this over again I would go to a person who is experienced to work with irradiated tissue because a simple stitch would have made things simpler. I echo Brian's sentiment re 100%, If all goes well then, in effect, it is close enough to 100%.

M

Brian and Jerry - Thank you so much for the information and clarification. I truly appreciate your help.

Oral-Maxillofacial Surgeon report: x-ray suggests increase in peridontal ligament with potential furcation involvement. Early signs of apical pathology associated with #17 may be result of rad induced ischemic changes. Suggest endodontic eval, observation, proceed when symptomatology is mandatory.

ENT checked dental x-rays for condition of bone (of course it's on tumor side). She saw nothing alarming as far as osteonecrosis on x-ray or exam. The tooth is asymptomatic. Endo consult is the next step.

RO believes there is no problem getting this done with a local endodontist.
I brought up the idea of going to a dental clinic at a CCC to ENT, she thought this was reasonable and a good idea. In fact, she offered to contact Dana-Faber to see how to proceed.

Jerry - Could opacity on x-ray be result of rad and not an abscess, etc?
Are wisdom teeth more difficult for root canal, as well as extraction?
Someone mentioned even a cyst shows up as an opacity.

Brian - Regarding so many things going wrong... My anger has been directed at the SE of Rad, rather than the cancer. I have some thoughts about that and will post under coping, so this will keep to dental issues.

30 Dives is right on Jerry and like they want to do to me, maybe an extra 10.

Thanks Everyone... as we have been saying for a few years now we are still dealing with the gift that keeps on giving.
As usual, I turn to OCF when I have question, and, as usual, you guys are there for us.
It is now official.. Pete`s mouth has cost more than our house...:)

THANKS!

Several posts back I added updated dental information. Today I found out that Dana-Faber does not have a dental clinic. We would first have to see MO there to get an opinion/referral regarding a dental evaluation. We went there for a second opinion before starting tx at our local cancer center.

Since we already see a RO, MO, ENT PCP, etc., on a regular basis, as all of you are also familiar with, this doesn't seem reasonable. But I just don't know if I can trust local dentists. I suppose one option would be to first get endo eval done locally and go from there.

Is it possible to PM Jerry? How does that work? Lottie

Lottie,

Click on my name on the left column then click on profile and then click on my email address. I prefer an email to a PM.

Jerry

I had radiation implants in 2003 and had hyperbaric oxygen therapy in 04 to treat raiation burns, but now I am having a problem with my jawbone. I had a hole in my gums exposing my jawbone and an oral surgeon removed a 2 in section of dead bone but there was bleeding bone underneath so we have been waiting for three weeks to see if it will heal without further intervention, but it is NOT getting any better and I'm tired of playing the waiting game while I am in A LOT of pain and it is NOT getting any better. Anyone have any advice on how to get the dr to do something other than wait and see? The biopsy of bone and gum tissue were normal, except for extensive damage to gum and tissue from radiation, so the chances of his healing without any further intervention(graft or jawbone removal) is very slim, but the dr seems very reluctant to make any decisions. I am very frustrated and I just want my life back. I am in a lot of pain all the time and pain meds aren't helping and oral surgeon is not wanting to continue to perscribe meds. What should I do? Should I see a different specialist or push the oral surgeon to do something else? Please HELP ME!

mommablanton,

You will get more replies if you start a separate thread, as people might not be checking this one any longer. This will highlight your particular concerns.
Click new topic and then post. I don't know if you can copy & paste from this thread.

I have no expertise regarding your situation but it is very anxiety producing to just wait. Can you get a team consultation at a CCC? Why is the oral surgeon reluctant to prescribe pain meds? Maybe you need to involve a pain specialist. Lottie

What is a CCC and how do I get a team consultation, especially since I don't have cancer now? Where do I look to find what center is good for me? Thanks for the advice.

Amanda

Amanda,

Here's a source.

http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/resources/cancer_centers.htm