Teeth extraction after tonsil cancer treatment

[Pinesink]

I was diagnosed tonsil cancer weeks ago, already met oncologist in Peter mac cancer center and they setup a treatment plan for me including radio+chemo therapy for 7 weeks, yesterday dentist from Peter mac checked my teeth before planning CT and told me few decayed teeth need to be extracted, coz my treatment gonna start soon so she suggested to extract the teeth 6 weeks after treatment so I don't need to delay the radiation therapy, but as far as I know it's high risk to get Osteoradionecrosis if extract teeth after radiation, I really tangled what should I choose???  Sincerely hope anyone have similar experience can give me some advice, and guide me how to prepare for the incoming big challenge.Many thx!!! 

[sch]

Hi,

I've not spoken to anyone who has had this done.

Did you end up finding some help?

What did you end up deciding to do?

-s

[Pinesink]

Hi sch, 

Thx for your concern, haven't found any answer yet, coz the radio therapy will start soon, if there's no other option then I have no choice, even the dentist told me the risk is not that high but I still pretty worry about it. 

[Katekat]

Hi @Pinesink,

I've just had a chat with our radiation specialist on our 13 11 20 team here, and they have suggested you should contact the radiation oncology unit at Peter Mac and ask them directly about the plan recommended by the dentist. Since they are at the same centre, they should be in synch - you can also request to speak with the Registrar if needed.

You are entitled to ask as many questions of them as you need when making choices about your care and your wholistic cancer care plan 💛

Cheers,

Kate

Cancer Council Online Community Manager

[Pinesink]

Hi Kate, 

Thx for your advice 😊 I waiting for my oncologist call coz they pretty busy this time, mean while I also looking for someone has similar experience and successful to remove teeth after radiation treatment, that will give me lot of help and confidence. Thx 🙏

[Budgie]

Hi Pinesink,

I would have thought it would be better to have the teeth extraction before the radiation, so your gums can heal before treatment starts. If you have to have the teeth pulled after radiation, make sure you have a healthy diet & keep your teeth & mouth scrupulously clean. Brush gently, & rinse with a warm salt/carb soda solution after each & every time you eat anything.
I wish you well with your coming treatment.

Budgie

[Pinesink]

Hi Budgie, 

Really appreciate your advice, now I use Colgate high fluoride toothpaste twice a day,floss teeth & rinse mouth with salt/bicarb warm water everytime after eating,hopefully I can get over this 👍👍👍

[Lampwork54]

Hi Pinesink, (strange name?)

I agree with all the comments here.  Ask questions and find out your best options.  You're dealing with the experts right now so you need their advice.  Budgie's advice about mouth care is good.  You're about to enter a big battle and the more knowledge you have - the more power you have.  It's a tough journey but we have the best specialists in their field and you need to trust them to do their job.  Wishing you lots of strength and support around you to get you through the journey ahead.  Good luck.

[Pinesink]

Thx lampwirk54,hope I can get over this 😊

[Parvez]

Hi

Please remember Pine never sink. Have u seen a pine tree? It is very tall and even tsunami can't reach to it u may understand what I mean.

I was diagnosed lyrinx cancer stage 3.fast forward I was treated with immunotherapy of keytruda and one more medicine Erbitux with 7weeks radiation. I did not extract any tooth though it was moving tooth but kept on brushing after every meal with a super soft tooth brush and rince mouth with bicarbonate and seline water (your oncologist will advise u in detail) there is a solution to gargle called magic solution will be prescribed to you which will help u to reduce mouth blisters or mucusitis (possible reaction of radiation)

I completed my all treatment on 5dec now all reports clear and am on follow up

So take it way enjoy with your sickness by reading and smiling to defeat this disease. Bleave me high moral is very important to defeat this disease and I assure you u will win