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How do you care for teeth and dental health after H&N cancer?
Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: Sep 24 12:02pm | Replies (23)Comment receiving replies
Hello@anonymous99, This is something I have been wondering about, as I finished radiation for throat cancer two years ago. The dentist told me my teeth look good, (and to use alot of fluoride daily) although if and when they fail, it begins with the roots turning black. A nurse related that in her opinion, if no blackness has begun in two years time, my teeth should be fine. Can you say for sure after ten years that it is the radiation that is causing your teeth to fail now? My fear is that in a few years (God-willing) I will go on Medicare. The insurance I have now has good dental, but Medicare goes only so far. Would that even cover Hyperbaric chambers, as the cost would be enormous. Thank-you, for any answer you can give.
Replies to "Hello@anonymous99, This is something I have been wondering about, as I finished radiation for throat cancer..."
Hello @anonymous99,
Thank you for sharing your experience. I can understand your concern, especially with the long-term effects of radiation on dental health. It’s good to hear that your dentist has given you a positive report so far. From what I’ve read, radiation can indeed weaken the teeth and cause issues like root blackening, though it doesn’t happen to everyone. If no problems have surfaced in two years, that’s encouraging. As for Medicare, it typically doesn't cover dental care extensively, but there might be exceptions for treatments like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy if deemed medically necessary. It’s worth consulting with your healthcare provider to explore potential coverage options. Wishing you continued good health, and I hope you find a solution that works for you.
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I'm willing to bet that no insurance will cover the hyperbaric chambers. Because of the cost. My teeth were in good condition when I got sick. oct of 2014. I was put on the fluoride treatments. I use prescription fluoride and the tray that they made for me. I asked to have my teeth removed then and dentures. They refused. After all of these years I'm finding that I'm having small problems. Small cavities . Also had three root canals at a mere $1200.00 each. CASH. I have paid cash for all of my dental. Neither the dentist or the specialist accepts any insurance I've had. YAY. My radiation doctor says absolutely no removal of my teeth. Radiation softens the bones. Also if you find that your mouth is dry I recommend using Biotene dry mouth gel. If you have the tray from your dentist that you use for the fluoride then you can use this at night too. I put some of the biotene in the trays "smear it in" and I sleep with the trays in. The dryness overnight can also help cause tooth decay. I've been doing this for years and I really believe that this has helped me. Biotene doesn't contain any sugar and is flavor free. I've tried using it without the trays and it just disappears in no time. I use fluoride before bed and do this after the treatments. I've been doing this since Jan of 2015. Not sure if this will help anyone but it sure can't hurt. good luck with those teeth.