I completed radiation therapy in April 2006. The radiation field included my lower jaw (front teeth and right side). I had a lot of problems after treatment including a very slow healing process, and frequent mouth ulcers. Earlier this year I noticed my lower front teeth had shifted. I had x-rays taken and determined that I have osteoradionecrosis (ORN). Also found out this year that I have osteopenia and I'm taking calcium supplements daily.

My front teeth are a little loose (my dentist called them "mobile") and he said there is a good chance I would loose them at some point. My dentist and oral surgeon recommended I undergo HBO therapy and I recently completed 45 treatments. They also recommended I visit my dentist every 2-3 months for an exam and cleaning, take antibiotics before each dental cleaning, continue using the fluoride trays daily, and wear my lower tray nightly to help keep my teeth in position.

My teeth were in good shape before radiation, but they recommended I have my wisdom teeth removed before I start RT (which I did) to avoid potential problems with them in the future. I am now able to eat most foods, but avoid biting into anything with my front teeth.

I'm hoping to keep my front teeth, and was wondering if anyone has any other suggestions?

Thanks!

Susan:

Unfortunately, Im in the same boat with major dental issues. Sorry I dont have any suggestions or ideas. Just good luck with your concerns. I hope it turns out that you can keep some teeth. At least you are able to eat decently.

Susan,

Not knowing how severe the bone loss is, I can make a suggestion that you ask your dentist if possibly splinting the teeth together with bonding, might have some benefit. At least temporarily.

Jerry

Susan,

Sorry to hear about your complications. I was diagnosed with ORN about a month or so after I finished my radiotherapy. Prior to radiotherapy I also had some suspect wisdom teeth removed and was told by several specialists that my teeth and gums etc were very healthy and prepared for the treatment. I visited my dentist every 6 mths for check-ups and cleans etc.

In my case. the jaw split that I had during my original operation before the radiotherapy may have had a minor infection therefore causing the ORN. The last two weeks of the Rads a few of my teeth next to where the jaw split was had also moved and were also loose and painful I knew then that something was terribly wrong. Hmmm it sure was.

They did a small operation late last year to have a better look and clean around the join, then I had 30 HBO's but I had no choice and in April this year they removed nearly all of my bottom jaw bone and replaced it with bone from my hip.

Will the loose teeth do any more damage by keeping them in??? Have they suggested any treatment for the jaw (mandible) bone??

Karen