Hi There,I have had esophagial cancer, and a year later a 2 inch brain tumor, I am in remission right now,but with alll the rediation that I have gone through has started to decay all my teeth at the gum line, I spoke to brian at the center and gave me some insight, my dentist does't want to fill them he wants me to have them removed, and then a partial,brian told me to find a new dendist that can help me. My biggest concern is that I am on disability, and $1100.00 doesn't go far.Brian said that since I don't produce enough good saliva this is what happens.I've tried many serveral places for financial help, and all have turned me down,

So thanks for time, I'm in desperate need of some insight if any of you have had similiar situations.
But for me life is so precious, and never forget that.Most people are dead within the first year of surgery, I'm in the 5% of people that have lived this long, and I'm blessed every day.

Love to you all
David

Hi David,

I can relate to the teeth problems, rotten radiation also rotted my teeth. My dentist won't remove teeth (even when when I was healthy!) and I have had 5 root canal therapies on my lower front teeth in the last 9 months, besides other teeth being refilled, or just filled where bits fell off. My dentist loves me And so does my credit card!

Luckily I have comprehensive health insurance - which has just run out and I'll have to wait till I'm topped up again. In Australia the Medicare system can give a rebate, especially for ongoing chronic injury. Although it isn't great, perhaps there is a similar system up there?

I agree with Brian, don't let your teeth be removed if possible, as there is the risk of osteoradionecrosis.

Good luck David.

Tizz

Tizz, Thanks for your help, I just went to a new Dentist, and he is going to do the best he can, they took full x-rays, and an impression of my teeth so that I can wear it in the evenings, you put chloaphil?or something I'll find out Monday.
Sorta mad at my old dentist for not mentioning some of these things,and at my radiation doctor for not telling me then. after radiation

thanks again
david

David, your dentist should give you a prescription for a fluoride paste that you put in the dental 'trays' at night to strengthen your teeth -- The paste I use is Prevident, made by Colgate, from the pharmacy.

Actually a pH neutral prescription flouride foam is the easiest route to take. Oral B makes a good one and in many flavors - ask your dentist.

Gary,

I too use the flouride paste every am. My dentist never mentioned the foam. Can you tell me more about it and why it is easier?

thanks

Gary,

Do you put the foam in trays? Like the fluoride gel, which is what I do along with prevident.

Shake the can, squirt it into the trays, actually uses very little. It's the same exact stuff that they use, although the strength of mine is a little less then theirs (the hygenist), 0.9 vs. 1.8 I believe. It's pricey at 20 bucks+ a can but worth it. A can goes a long way. I get a full strength flouride every time I get my teeth cleaned as well.

I have a Prevident prescription fluoride formula that can be used with a toothbrush (best way is to use a good electric toothbrush to really work it around the teeth and gumline). After brushing it on for about 2 minutes, you just spit out the excess and don't rinse for a half hour or so.

Cathy

Help, I'm still confused.

I put the Prevident in my trays and put them on my teeth for 30 mins every am.

Is the foam better or do you use both or what?