Recently tooth #2 bit the dust and had to be extracted (#1 is still there). No problems, except for the fact that for a day I had an oral-antral communication. Needless to say that this puzzled me then! This healed very rapidly and I was eating "normally" after day 2.
The question is this I am thinking about longer term strategies. Implants are a possibility, but given the potential problems I wonder if this is worth it? I.e. am I asking for trouble.
Other than 2 wisdom teeth (left) I am missing 4 premolars (one in each quadrant), the latter were taken when I was a kid, together with 2 milk teeth for each premolar. Hence my aversion to certain professions... sorry guys. This came full circle and bit me you know where.

The radiation damage is not too bad, but but I still have to go back for several fillings.....
What are the non binding opinions of the dental folks on this. Leave well enough alone or aim to keep at least (1 premolar and 2 (or 1?) molars). In this case that would mean do nothing for the upper right quadrant which would be my preference.

Thanks for your input (Jerry, Mike?)

Markus

Hi Markus,

Under ordinary circumstances, implants are are by far, always the best alternative, whenever they are possible.

I assume that the problems that you are referring to is the possibility of ORN. When you add in the need for HBO treatments, you are certainly going to lower the risk for this, but not entirely remove it.

Trying to picture your missing tooth situation over the internet is very difficult. Where you had the teeth extracted as a kid, have the spaces closed or are they still there? You also don't mention which teeth are below the missing #2. Do you have a lower second molar #31, which would occlude with the missing #2?

Doing a bridge to replace #2 using the wisdom tooth as an end abutment is usually not a good idea as upper wisdom are usually very short with cone shaped roots.

With a little more details, I may be able to zero in on more advice. Of course, you must have good periodontal health, in order for implants to even be considered.

Jerry

Hello,
Has anyone heard of the body rejecting the screws that are used in jaw reconstruction after oral cancer? My mom is having fistulas open up around where the screws are. The doctors are saying they might have to go in and take the screws out (6-8 of 'em) which will leave her jaw unstable and not fit for teeth ever.
Just got the news today so we are both stunned.

Hi,
I've never heard of anyone having this sort of problem after Oral Surgery. I'll try and find some information for you.
In my opinion, whether or not the screws have to be removed the bone will heal across the surgical cut similar to a broken leg. It may take longer for this to occur without rigid fixation but, the process will still happen. She should be able to have teeth placed in the area either implants or dentures.
Cheers,
Mike

Dr. Mike,

Looking at Wrightwood's other post, his Mom's surgery took place four years ago...????

I guess I missed that. That would make this even rarer than rare.
I'm still researching it though.
Mike