Before cancer I had a nice set of teeth with only 3 cavities my whole life. My father spent a lot of money on braces to make them perfect. After having radiation to my tongue and jaw area I was warned that I would forever have problems in those areas and it would be crucial to use a dental expert familiar with radiated bone. An extraction by an unqualified dentist might actually result in a shattered jaw.
You take that news with a grain of salt at a time you just cheated death. Eight years later my upper jaw has shifted about one full tooth's length so my teeth don't line up anymore. I'm told it's actually a result of the skin acting like shrink wrap on the jaw along with some muscle damage and bone loss.
A year ago I slowly began losing the lower horizontal half of an upper front tooth that just slowly wore away over time. I think tonight I lost the vertical half of my second one located directly below the first. I just noticed it was missing before bed. There was no pain or indication there was a problem and both teeth are still fully rooted. I'm not even sure it's worth having them fixed if they are just going to fall out eventually.
I've met several people along this journey who were told to have all their teeth pulled before having radiation. I was grateful they only wanted to remove two of my molars. And people ask if I ever get depressed! HA! I'm really not sure what else to say at this point....It's the gift that keeps on giving. Even when you think it's over, there is always something new waiting for you around every corner!
Peace B
