#78305 08-07-2008 05:01 PM | Joined: May 2007 Posts: 41 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP  Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: May 2007 Posts: 41 | Hello everyone, I haven't been here in awhile, but need some advice. As some of you know, my husband had to have 30+ teeth removed last year before he could start rad/chem because they were in such bad shape. Well he went for his follow scans this week, good news....margins neg...but said he had a root abscess!! How can this be when he had them removed a year ago??? Has anyone been through this or heard of such a thing? Dr said needs to be taken care of ASAP!!!! Thank you all Laura
Husband age 48, diagnosed 5/10/07 with stage 4 mouth cancer, surgury not an option, teeth removed 6/21/07, 5x wks of rad with Cisplatin 1x week for 7-8 week course starting 7/10/07. Update 02/25/08 right maxillectomy and right infratemporal fossa resection
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Laura,
I can only assume that when your husband had his teeth extracted, the dentist left a root in. This can happen sometimes. A root can break during an extraction and a piece will be left in and unless the dentist examines every tooth very carefully, it may not be noticed.
An infected root can remain in the bone undetected because the body can fight the infection and there can be no obvious symptoms.
The doctor is correct that it should be removed because the infection can spread.
Hope this was helpful.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: May 2007 Posts: 41 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: May 2007 Posts: 41 | Thank you for your reply Jerry. We have an appt Fri with Vanderbilt oral dental surgeon, so hopefully will find out more details.
Husband age 48, diagnosed 5/10/07 with stage 4 mouth cancer, surgury not an option, teeth removed 6/21/07, 5x wks of rad with Cisplatin 1x week for 7-8 week course starting 7/10/07. Update 02/25/08 right maxillectomy and right infratemporal fossa resection
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