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