How do you care for teeth and dental health after H&N cancer?

Posted by anonymous99 @anonymous99, Feb 16, 2022

Hi there. I am ten years out from base of the tongue and throat cancer. I have been filling my teeth for all these years but now some of my teeth are starting to fail. I met with a local oral surgeon who recommended the oxygen therapy and then to continue to pull the problem teeth with dentures being the only long term option for me. I’m wondering if anyone has had similar experiences or have been provided with alternative options. Thanks!

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Jody aka mojo244 | @mojo244 | Jul 13, 2023

In reply to @nnurse "Wowzer, removed good teeth? I would change doctors" + (show)

My wife reminded me that I did have 2 molar crowns, a filling and I had a history of my wisdom teeth moving up and down. No others were extracted…I tend to forget things ever since my treatments.

MOJO

web28 | @web28 | Jul 13, 2023

My husband had six teeth removed by an oncology dentist in an operating room since he also had congestive heart failure. Recovery was definitely painful but necessary. As of five days ago he is in acute pain again as a piece of tooth is working its way through his gum. My worry is infection or bone stress. He can’t get in to his own dentist for another five days but expects that he’ll just have to wait it out as the tooth fragment works it’s way out.

qureshia110 | @qureshia110 | Sep 24 12:02pm

In reply to @thomason "Hello@anonymous99, This is something I have been wondering about, as I finished radiation for throat cancer..." + (show)

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.