Underwent Cancer Treatment: Can I Get Dental Implants?

An Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon is best suited to assist you with these decisions. Your Radiation Oncologist will supply a radiation portal diagram to your OMFS. This will permit exposure evaluation of the potential implant sites. HBO therapy can revascularize compromised bone making it suitable for future implant related procedures. You should be patient for the various stages that need to be taken. Attention to the quality and quantity of saliva production will help determine the viability of the remaining dentiton and should be considered in your overall treatment plan.Good luck.Theodore Grossman DMD

The success of dental implants in post radiation therapy patients depends on the following:1. Amount of radiation 2. Exact path of radiation 3. Degree of radiation block to jaws 4. Degree of radiation to the jaw boneI recommend you to speak to an oral surgeon who can collaborate with your radiation doctor and get better objective answers. I do not think your dentist has this information to conclude his or her recommendation.Even with radiation therapy effecting jaw bone, it is possible to do hyperbaric oxygen therapy and have extractions and possibly implants done with success. This needs to be carefully evaluated and risks and benefits discussed with you.Dr. Kazemi