I had radiation and chemo to treat my stage 4 SCC HPV treatment 10 years ago.

This year I made the unwise decision to have my teeth extracted and get full upper and lower all on 4 fixed dentures. It's been around four months and four of the eight implants failed and were removed. It seems likely the radiated field is where the implants failed. The dentist has added a couple new posts in the lower, so now an all on 5. A temporary load fix denture will go on next. Hopefully, the extra post will hold and the bone and tissue should provide adequate support.

The upper ride of the jaw likely got rads and that is why 3 failed all in the same area. They were removed and the area cleaned of tissue and bad bone. It does show quite a bit of bone degenerated in the area of the posts. The doctors want to do as little as possible so are having me wear a removable upper denture for a few months to see it heal up before making any decision on next steps.

Which specialists work with oral cancer patients that received radiation? I've seen reference to the RO, oral surgeon, and prosthodontist. Before doing any further damage I need to get the proper evaluation, recommendations, and options.

donfoo,
As you already know, dental extractions post-radiation therapy are a risk due to the possibility of developing ORN (osteoradionecrosis) resulting from compromised blood flow to the jaw. My past posts on this topic, document the bad advice that was offered by various dental specialists in our local area. My husband did not get good advice until he consulted a dental surgeon who was part of an oral cancer team at a large NYC hospital.

The OCF pages under dental issues are helpful.
All the best,
travelottie

After more research into the topic of implants post radiation, I learned about dental oncology specialists. I live in California and blessed with several very good research universities. Does anybody have any ideas of where and how to get in contact with these folks? I plan on call the radiation oncology department and ask about dental oncology/Oral and Maxillofacial surgery. Make sense?

Hi DonFoo -

I had a dental oncologist (10 years ago) who was excellent when I lived in Orange County (I think you are in SF, yes?). His name is Dr. Nelson Lowe (714-550-7474) and he is in Santa Ana. If you call him he might have referrals for your local area. If you can’t find anyone near you, he is worth a visit (call first to make sure he can help your situation).

Heather

Heather,
Thanks for the info. Dental Oncology is such a rare specialty, it was very a difficult search. I am treated by Dr. Ryan Lee, offices in NYC and Boston. He is doing excellent work on my restoration. He offers a 40% discount to oral cancer survivor, still a significant expense, at least for me. I've made two visits, one more scheduled in September.

His connections and relationships to academia and industry keeps him at the forefront of treatment techniques and technologies. This is how he can offer his cancer survivor program.