Hello everyone!

We've just had a virtual visit with a doctor from an Oral Surgery department and we're confused. We're 2 1/2 years since our last surgery, and three years post radiation.

Our otolaryngology cancer surgeon told us to get hyperbaric chamber treatments before having teeth pulled to lessen the odds of osteoradionecrosis. This oral surgeon told us that the benefits of HBO are sort of controversial. He said that if the tooth is loose it shouldn't damage the bone to remove it, and we might not need HBO treatments before hand. He also recommended that we have a general dentist look things over to see if any teeth can be saved before having teeth removed.

Do you all see a general dentist for your dental hygiene? I don't know why, but I was thinking we'd need a specialist after rads and two mandiblectomies. My dad's been quite resistant to having just anyone poking around in his mouth and he hasn't been to the dentist.

What questions did you ask to find a good dentist to work on you?

Does it matter where the tooth that's bothering you is located? My dad's had two mandiblectomies so he has 1 tooth left on the bottom, and just a few teeth on the top. The tooth that's bothering him is on the top, on the same side of his head as the area that was radiated.

I did HBO for ORN and my issue resolved. I was also trying other therapies/meds etc so it was only a part of my treatment but it seemed to help me. It is controversial I guess, whatever that means- I'm curious about docs that refer to it this way. It's fine if they want you to have all the facts but it can sometimes come off like they're trying to talk you out of it. I had to fight for it. It's expensive.

Having a good dentist is essential post radiation. From what you're saying it sounds like your dad has about four teeth left? Is that correct? I'm no expert but I definitely agree with this:

"have a general dentist look things over to see if any teeth can be saved before having teeth removed."

Amen to that, especially if he's down to four.

I am new to this site. I am 2 years post surgery for jaw cancer. I have a hybrid prosthetic with three implants. I am having difficulty finding a dentist willing to clean this prosthesis.

are you near a dental school? I used to be faculty at a dental school. Might be more likely to help you out than a dentist in private practice

Hi there! No, not near a dental school. My regular dentist was able to see him last week, but wanted to talk to his oral surgeon before she would do anything. The loose tooth fell out on it's own, but then he broke another top tooth on the other side. We are near Boston, and that's where we went for his surgeries, so maybe it will have to be someone there who does it. Its just so scary. Sometimes I still feel that dread/ impending doom thing, even though we're almost 3 years past the last surgery, and 4 years post-radiation. I feel like I dont know enough to make a good decision, but I can't find anyone to ask about it.

So far, no movement on the dentist. A referral was sent to his oral surgeon, but nothing. It's really frustrating and worrisome.