Hello Rchurch and thank you for getting in touch.

I’m sorry to hear that you needed treatment for head and neck cancer in the past, and that you’re now feeling worried about the effect this may have on your jaw. It’s completely understandable to feel concerned about this.

It’s reassuring that your dentist feels that having further teeth extractions should be safe for you. While there is a risk of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) after radiotherapy to the head and neck, most people do not develop this. The risk is generally higher in the first few years after treatment, and although it doesn’t disappear completely, it is usually much lower many years later, such as in your situation.

Dentists and doctors will always weigh up the benefits and risks before recommending treatment like a tooth extraction. They will consider your individual treatment history, the area that received radiotherapy, and your current dental health when making this decision.

It may help to speak with your dentist again about your concerns. You could ask whether they have experience managing patients who have had radiotherapy, and whether any additional precautions are needed in your case. In some situations, dentists may also liaise with a specialist team if needed.

I hope everything goes smoothly with your treatment. If you have any further questions or would like to talk things through, you’re very welcome to contact one of our nurses on the helpline. We’re here Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, on freephone 0808 800 4040.

Jemma

Hello Rchurch and thank you for getting in touch.

I’m sorry to hear that you needed treatment for head and neck cancer in the past, and that you’re now feeling worried about the effect this may have on your jaw. It’s completely understandable to feel concerned about this.

It’s reassuring that your dentist feels that having further teeth extractions should be safe for you. While there is a risk of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) after radiotherapy to the head and neck, most people do not develop this. The risk is generally higher in the first few years after treatment, and although it doesn’t disappear completely, it is usually much lower many years later, such as in your situation.

Dentists and doctors will always weigh up the benefits and risks before recommending treatment like a tooth extraction. They will consider your individual treatment history, the area that received radiotherapy, and your current dental health when making this decision.

It may help to speak with your dentist again about your concerns. You could ask whether they have experience managing patients who have had radiotherapy, and whether any additional precautions are needed in your case. In some situations, dentists may also liaise with a specialist team if needed.

I hope everything goes smoothly with your treatment. If you have any further questions or would like to talk things through, you’re very welcome to contact one of our nurses on the helpline. We’re here Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, on freephone 0808 800 4040.

Jemma