Dentures plus implants after radiation

Had all teeth removed due to deterioration. This had to be done before radiation treatments or there would have been severe complications.

I didn't have all teeth removed BEFORE RADIATION MY CANCER DOCTOR DID NOT INFORM ME JUST A NUMBER AFTER COVID THEY WANTED TO RE COUP $$$%$

I was told last year by my general dentist that I was not a candidate for implants beyond radiation. Seems that radical lead to necrotic bone. I have two crowns with a permanent bridge. Better option or me

Sounds good. Good luck with your bridge.

I Really wish my team of doctors would have clearly explained the dental situation. They had my teeth checked and 1 pulled before radiation. Nobody told me the effects of radiation therapy were going to destroy teeth and that I wouldn’t be able to get a tooth pulled or implants after radiation. I certainly would have had my teeth removed before radiation. I likely would’ve had Hybridge top and bottom. Or at least a set of quality dentures. Now I have a molar that needs to be pulled but oncologist said not to do it. Not sure what I’m supposed to do now or if there’s viable options

Hi Jeff, my radiation oncologist advised to have bad teeth removed before treatment (turns out the less than 20 I still had were all bad, I’m 88 by the way). My oral surgeon agreed saying if not, no oral surgeon would touch my radiated teeth. This is really a bummer for you and I’m sorry your doctors didn’t inform you. Perhaps there is some help and this forum will get some answers?

Thank you for sharing. I really hope someone can help do something. Even if they rip them all out and do dentures…

In 2006 when I had to have 35 rounds of radiation plus chemo - nasopharyngeal cancer IV, I had 2 wisdom teeth removed prior to start of radiation - that was all that was required.
In 2018 when the root canal in my front - holding the bridge - broke, I was given option of dental implant to hold the bridge, or dentures for all four front teeth.
My oncologist said I should not have implants, but my dentist said it should not be an issue since radiation was concentrated on the left side of jaw, and the implants would be in the front. Because of this conflicting diagnosis, I had my dentist communicate with my oncologist - and the issue solved with me going ahead with the implants.
Hope this helps.

I'm 63. Had 33 radiation treatments (70 gy) about 3 years ago. I did have 6 teeth pulled before starting the radiation. August 2024, I had to have a tooth pulled on the same side the radiation was concentrated. (Left Tonsil Cancer)' I felt fine for about 4-5 months. Then my neck started to swell and my gum and bone hurt. My dentist sent me to an Oral Surgeon. He dug bone mush out of a spot in my jaw where the tooth was. It was about the size of 1/2 dime. Again I felt great, it healed and I could wear my upper and lower dentures. Then 3 or so months later, end of May, I wake up and my jaw is hurting, my neck is swollen like I swallowed a golf ball. Back to the oral surgeon to find out my jaw had continued to deteriorate, not heal. My jaw had fractured.
My oral Surgeon referred me to VCU. Communication was a joke. Long story short, I'm finally having ORN surgery August 20th. 3 months of dealing with the pain and discomfort.
Now to tie into the thread. I'm having lower prosthetic done and an upper denture. The post for the lowers will be put in during the ORN surgery. Obviously they will be pulling the teeth I have left also. Almost 11,000.00 for the post and insurance does not cover it. Not considered a quality of life issue.
If I had known then what I know now, I would have had all of my teeth pulled before radiation. They weren't the best to begin with.
You do not want to deal with ORN trust me. Do your due diligence and ask LOTS of questions up front. Also be sure to ask about HBO Therapy. Had my dentist advised this in August when he pulled the tooth, I may not be dealing with this now.
God Bless You All!
Paul

Thank you for sharing this with me. I’m sorry you’ve had to go through this. Good Luck with your surgery and Recovery. I’m praying for you to have a completely successful surgery and recovery and no more ORN. Please Keep us updated as you progress