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Tooth extraction 12 yrs post RT

Rchurch
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I  am twelve years out of head & neck rt and now experiencing consequential dental issues. I was unaware/uninformed of the related risk of ORN when my dentist removed a tooth 12 months or so ago. However, I don't appear to have had any issues (yet!). . I now require two further extractions. .This time, I am more than aware of the risk this carries. I've spoken with my dentust and he is confident I am relatively safe 12 years post rt. This flies in the face of all I am reading.  

  In short, I really dont know what to do. I am getting extremely anxious.

  

  • Hello Rchurch

    Put your mind at rest after 12 years the blood vessels that were destroyed during radiotherapy and put you at risk of osteoradionecrosis of the jaw will have recovered sufficiently enough that tooth extraction should not be a problem. I had radiotherapy to the jaw 11 years ago and very recently had a tooth extracted. I am currently on immunotherapy and Denosumab which carries its own risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. As a precaution the denosumab was stopped for a few months and I was referred by my dentist to the hospital for the extraction. I was given a course of antibiotics and mouthwash to use and a check up one month later. The extraction site is healthy and Ive had no problems since. Id trust your highly qualified dentists opinion over stuff on the internet. 

    Ed

  • Offline in reply to Farmer_Ed

    Thank you, Ed. I appreciate your reply. A few words really do help.

  • Offline in reply to Farmer_Ed

    Thankyou, Ed. I appreciate your response. A few words really do help.

  • in reply to Rchurch

    ONR is a terrifying prospect and you are rightly concerned. I was relieved to hear the dental surgeon at the hospital corroborate what my dentist had said about the low risk of ONR due to the amount of time elapsed since radiotherapy. In my case it was the Denosumab used to help protect preserve bone with cancer that was the concern rather than radiotherapy. Perhaps discuss with your denist whether antibiotics and mouthwash would be useful. Getting referred to an NHS hospital also saved me the £200 dentist bill but Iam now faced with a bill for £1500 for a new denture. Glad I could allay some of your fears. All the best

    Ed

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