When people have needed to have teeth extractions and or cleanings and check ups, do people go to their regular dentists etc for those services, or would you recommend someone who specializes in post-radiation care? If you would recommend someone who deals more exclusively with this patient population,where would I find these such individuals? My mom has had 2 teeth pulled and a third scheduled, but I think she should see someone with more expertise. I am not sure how to find someone though.

krisitn,
i would talk with the oncology doctors and ask them to recommend a dentist. because my mom lives a bit of a distance from the hospital she had treatment at, we asked around until we found someone locally who dealt with post radiation patients. i'm glad we did this because he is acutely aware of her situation and deals with it accordingly. hope this helps. take care.
D

Kristin, my rad oncologist was the source of my referral to a fantastic guy who has extensive experience with radiated jaws. Even in a large city, the head and neck people are a small community and know of each other, so I would recommend your mom's docs as the best resource.

Kristin,

For quite awhile, I've been continuing to see my dentist for very routine things, but going to an oral surgeon or periodontist for anything more complex, because of my radiation history. On my most recent visit to my oral surgeon, he recommended that I have most of my followups with the periodontist (rather than the dentist). I'm 54 and still have all of my original teeth, but I'm beginning to have some problems with the bone at the back of my mouth, and he wants this monitored very closely.

I see that you're on the Cape -- I don't recall if you mentioned where your mom was treated, but if it was in the Boston area, it's probably worth checking with her oncologists there to get a recommendation on a dental professional.

Cathy