Before I had my radiation I had one dentist say pull all teeth make dentures, went had second opinion they pull 6 teeth. At that time I very thankfull. Now I thinking I should of had them all pulled.
It now 2 years later I just went to the dentist
who said I should see oral surgen to have 5 teeth removed.
Well he wants me to go have this hyperbaric Oxgen Chamber treatment for 4 week 2 hrs aday I sit in this thing, then have the teeth extracted go back and sit for 2 more weeks.
They are worried about the amount of radiation I had that osteoprosis of my jaw would happen faster if they extract teeth now.
Anyone out there have any experence with this.

Hi Dogman,

The HBO treatments are needed so that the bone can heal after the extractions. Osteoradionecrosis occurs from radiating the bone resulting in a loss of blood suppply to the bone. Adequate blood supply is needed so the bone can heal normally. The HBO treatments stimulate the formation of new blood vessels.

Many people have had radiation and not had to have teeth extracted. Having all your teeth out is an old treatment procedure that is not followed much anymore.

You should get the teeth out and then do everything you can to prevent other teeth from getting to the point of needing extraction.

Good luck.

Jerry

From what Im finding out 2 3 years down the road, I would of been alot better off doing it the old way, would not be dealing with the damage dry mouth and raditation causes to your teeth. Also would not have to deal with Osteoradionecrosis. I suppose each case is different. But at the time when they said they could save my teeth it sounded good, but if the damage the dry mouth caused, and the radiation.
Can one avoid this even with the best of care?

Dogman,

I was not told anything about having teeth removed for my treatment. After the surgery and radiation, the inside structure of my mouth changed and I no longer had room for my wisdom teeth. They kept getting infected. So they sent me off to the Oral Surgeon. 4 weeks HBO before the extraction, 2 weeks after.

The HBO is a good thing especially because of the beneficial side-effects. Not only did it help with the gums/jaw healing, it also did wonders for the surgery scar on my neck. The HBO treatment is very easy for most people to do (It was very simple for me) but it does take a significant amount of time each day for treatment. I was doing treatment a 9am, usually done by 12 noon and worked from 12 noon to 8 pm. My employer at the time was very understanding.

I am 4+ years out now and everything is fine teeth wise.

Jim

Jim, Thanks for sharing your HBO experience, I might have go deal with it soon....Take Care, Carol

Dogman, I had HBO before and after implants were placed in my lower jaw. Truly a cake walk compared to all other treatments. My sessions were about 90 minutes, 5 days a week. I was in a single chamber and could watch movies to pass the time. A side effect is that it generally alters your vision temporarily. In my case, happily, I no longer need the glasses I needed to read. That was four years ago, so I guess the improvement is here to stay, as are the implants. Go for it!

Well I went in today to see the doctor about HBO.
She stated to me that I now have about 20% soft tissue left on my jaw bones, but said after the treatment it could be as high as 80%. The treatment itself sound pretty easy. The 200 mile trip everyday I think will be well worth it.
I start on Monday will have 20 treatments then extract my teeth go back for 10 more.
That God for this web site.