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Dentures plus implants after radiation
I’m an 87 year old who finished 35 rounds of radiation and 6 chemotherapy sessions to attack stage IV squamous cell cancer near my vocal cords ending 05/23/24. Recent scopings revealed no signs of tumor.
All my teeth were removed prior to radiation. My Dental Surgeon suggests dentures supported by two implants.
I’m hesitant due to my age although am in good health if this is right path for me.Has anyone experienced this and what was the outcome. Would like to hear pros and cons. Thanks much.
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Had 30 sessions of radiation for cancer on vocal cords have 6 bottom teeth left that are bad should I have them pulled and get lower dentures? My friend had same situation and got lower teeth pulled and dentures and he says he is ok
If your dentist agrees, and you feel comfortable removing bad teeth by all means go forward. As regards implants, I would get input from your oncology radiologist in case your mandible may have been compromised due to radiation.
I was thinking regular lower dentures no implants
Good plan, let me know how you make out with your new dentures.
Good luck in your recovery
if there is any way that one or two can remain as anchors you will enjoy the lowers so much more as they have a tendency to float without anchors
Dental implants take from start to finish - approx 2 years - and this is provided that it heals well - i.e. without complications.
I have a brother - not a HNC survivor - in his 60's who is solely dependent on dentures - both upper and lower - and does not have any issues at all in eating and chewing (in fact, he eats better than I do, with my dysphagia and dysarthria) but then again he had dentures in the last decade and guess he is used to it.
Believe it takes time to get used to dentures - hope this helps!