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Anyone had lower jaw discomfort after radiation?

Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: Apr 27 8:32pm | Replies (13)

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@jaybb1
I too have been told about the avoidance of invasive dental procedures after radiation. "Post radiation", however, can be a LONG TIME (hopefully for all of us :)). I'd like to get a little more clarification on that. Like most cases, each is unique and I suspect so too are timelines. I'm thinking the history of radiation should always be a consideration when evaluating dental issues and potential procedures.

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Replies to "@jaybb1 I too have been told about the avoidance of invasive dental procedures after radiation. "Post..."

@fanortner My dentist does not completely, but does somewhat, agree with not doing implants to replace the 4 teeth removed at time of tongue surgery. It is so much easier when ALL agree. But the disagreement results in much individual research, careful attention to any mention on this site, and a BIG word of caution. I have learned recently how important it is to evauate the reason for any dental implants. Is it for cosmetic reasons, or is it for functional reasons. For all my life I have been most concerned with the cosmetic appearance of my teeth. And functional was important--but taken for granted with proper care. Now after 30 radiation treatments and a good understnding and reading how risky to have a implant procedure may be---the cosmetic consideration is not secondary, but IS immaterial. My dentist has expressed that we just do one implant and see how it goes. My tongue doctor/surgeon, based on his experience takes the view: NO, do not do, the potential of major jaw disaster is too great. My mouth if not what I would want 20 years ago cometically, but I will not look for complications that I will regret greatly by doing even one implant. I have taken the approach that CAUTION trumps all else. I have learned that just because ones pocketbook does not match her outfit, or wrong color socks, or hair not combed exactly right, is ALL Immaterial---and so is dental implants if at all can be avoided.