In 2003 I was diagnosed with Stage 4 tonsil cancer, a tumor in my right tonsil. Rather than surgically remove the tonsil I immediately underwent a huge dose of chemotherapy followed by 37 daily radiation treatments and weekly chemo. On my "tumor" team was an ENT surgeon, an oncologist, a radiologist, and a dentist. Before the radiation teeth guards were made and a head cage to hold my head still during the treatments. All went well until about 10 years out and jaw bone tissue started to deteriorate on the lower right side. Before any teeth could be removed or the dead tissue removed I underwent 30 hyperbaric dives. It took two dental surgeries to rid the dead tissue. I also had molars removed on upper left and lower right. This was all a result of the radiation. The reason for the dives is/was to promote healing. I have not had dental problems since all this work other than gum recession caused by dry mouth. Implants were not considered because of the chance the area would not heal properly and the difficulty of good dental hygiene afterwards. Good luck as you continue this journey to heal. I am ever so grateful to have had a dentist on my tumor team and his insistence that I not let a local dentist do anything with my teeth without first consulting him. take care!