Anxiety, guilt and worry post-cancer

Hi LadyLee

I lost all the teeth(  which I think amount to 7 or 8), my  gum and a small segment of bone in my jaw on my lower right  in 2013 and did get a denture made that clipped to one of  my front teeth as implants were not an option because of the radiotherapy on that side.

Unfortunately for me when I tried to eat using the denture it would dislodge as it only had one of my front teeth to clip onto. I should have tried securing the denture with Pollident denture glue as the denture had no gum to fit over and the area was completely flat but I did not think about that then.

I should have talked to my dentist more about it as I was rather ignorant about how to cope with the denture so please follow up with your dentist if you have any trouble with your new denture.

Mine turned out to be more cosmetic than useful for eating but I’m sure that is because I needed more advice on coping with it.

I found at that stage I could manage perfectly well eating using the teeth on the other side of my mouth so did not really have a big issue. It is only now after my maxillectomy where all the teeth on my upper left jaw were removed that I am having issues.

With fewer teeth removed than I had you have a much better chance of the denture staying in place.

I am really interested how you get on and hope that the denture is very successful for both you and Cathy.

Lyn

Reading your comment it sounds like the issue with your denture was probably that a clip that attached only to a front tooth wasn’t enough for stability. From what I gather they now have an attachment that goes right round to the back teeth on the good side.

I must admit I still wonder how it will work, because the repair flap does not recreate the hard ridge of gum which is lost but is, as you say, flat.

It’s certainly worth a try, but I’m prepared for the possibility a denture won’t be practical and I’m not sure I can face the more invasive procedure required for implants even if I have enough bone left to support them.

Hi, yes I’m wondering how anything will stay in place as there is no gum to sit over/on , will have to see …..implants may be an option , I didn’t need RT but not sure if I want go through all they would entail, have my second appointment this week …I will post my progress……

I will post how I get on with my dental work…..my surgery was at the Luton and Dunstable hospital , and I’m seeing the Restorative Dental dept there too….I really wanted to go to Addenbrookes as that’s so much closer but it apparently wasn’t an option.(15 min drive to Addenbrookes  1 hour to Luton)

I also can’t see how a denture will stay put if only attached to one tooth, it will be interesting……I can manage without, just eating on the other side, biting is a bit more challenging but I shall give it a go, and as you say not sure if I want to go the implant way , even if possible as it would be a bone graft and a couple of years…will keep you posted!

thank you for the replies, it’s interesting to see how others have fared after the initial surgery, have trawled this site but few have had the same “problem” for want of a better word!

Hi Cathy,

we’ve all been there. It’s normal. Like a unwelcome house guest who has left now but has taken a key, they may return or they may not - but it doesn’t  stop us worrying. One thing I found helpful was when one of my surgeons told me that no one can control the biology, they & we never could & never will. Try not to worry about the biology, accept what it is & focus your efforts on what you can control; your recovery, your lifestyle, your attitude. Moderation in everything including moderation! Be kind to yourself, it’s a tough gig & you’re in good shape. I am one of life’s worriers but am starting to accept things a bit more. Counselling helps. Do your surveillance checks & go to all your reviews. You might surprise yourself how you can get back to a new normal. Good luck, we’re all right there with you.

Steve

Thank you. Some useful thoughts there. Not dwelling on the biology but concentrating on what I can control is a good approach. I’ve already cut out the automatic glass of wine with my dinner and don’t miss it at all.