Dentist prior to radiotherapy

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So, I’m posting this in hope of getting information.I’m waiting on radiotherapy for salivary gland cancer but need my dental clearance first. Wasn’t too worried by this to start but after reading on-line I’m starting to panic.My teeth while I have quite a few fillings are okay and been that way for years, regular check ups and generally fine. But I’ve read that teeth are removed if they have large fillings, I do indeed have quite a few large fillings. So what I’m hoping to get insight on is, are all teeth with fillings removed, this will be worse to me then when I lost my heir with Chemo. My radiotherapy will be on one side of my neck which leads to my next question, will all my teeth be affected, both sides top and bottom. Think I could cope if it’s just the lower side teeth removed on one side. But oh my, if it’s all my filled teeth, nope nope nope.  Also what happens after do you get help with false teeth, or do you spend the rest of your life toothless. I know you can’t have implants because the bone won’t be good enough. What are the options, I think I will struggle with this more then the radiotherapy.

  • Hi. 3 months after treatment is far too soon the mouth and gins need time. People I know have been a few years one just had his and he’s 5 years post treatment. I know I have a small denture which I couldn’t use for almost a year as it used to rub and irritate. 
    yes a lot is a postcode lottery but it shouldn’t be. Imagine any other cancer being treated so unfairly. It’s a pet rant if mine teeth being pulled unnecessarily. rant over m

    Hazel. 

    Hazel aka RadioactiveRaz 

    My blog is www.radioactiveraz.wordpress.com  HPV 16+ tonsil cancer Now  6 years  post treatment. 35 radiotherapy 2 chemo T2N2NM.Happily getting on with living always happy to help

    2 videos I’ve been involved with raising awareness of HNC and HPV cancers 

    https://www.instagram.com/merckhealthcare/reel/DBs8Y0niJ8N/

  • I thought it was to soon also. As for postcode lottery I think you’re right.

  • I'm another one who had lots of fillings, also some caps, one root canal and three wisdom teeth, and I didn't have to have any extractions prior to CRT. Two years on, my teeth are fine and I'm still able to open my mouth wide. I have dental checkups every three months, no issues.  

    September 2022 aged 63 diagnosed with HPV associated SCC base of tongue T4 N2 M0. Chemo & radiotherapy for 6 weeks ending Nov 2022. Now over 2 years all clear. See my profile for longer story