Hi everybody, not posted much over the last few months but I have been dipping in and out. Lots of reasons some good some bad, still progress is being made (but ooh sooo slow)

I am now 5 months post rad treatment and starting to think what should I do about my molars. Like many before me I had all my molars removed prior to treatment.

My questions are at least on the surface fairly straightforward.

1. Where do I find a good dentist who will understand about mouth cancer and it's implications

2. My options appear to be either dentures or implants.
but

a) does anybody have a rough idea of the cost difference between the two (and I do mean a rough idea)
b) could I mix the two, implants top dentures bottom for example
c) is the highr cost of implants worth the extra money
d) do I need a FULL set of molars, my hygenist said I could get away with 8 total 2 top and bottom each side, anyone done something similar.

3. are implants a lot of pain to go through

Any other advice or experiences you could offer would be gratefully received.

I realise at the end of the day I will need to pick a dentist see him decide on what to do myself, but right now a bit of mental preparation and the benefit of shared experience would be a big help.

Thanks in advance


Ian

Hello Ian

quote:

d) do I need a FULL set of molars, my hygenist said I could get away with 8 total 2 top and bottom each side, anyone done something similar.

See:

• The shortened dental arch concept and its implications for oral health care.
• The shortened dental arch: A review of the literature (pdf)
• Shortened dental arch concept podcast

From NICE Guidance: Improving outcomes in head and neck cancers - The Manual

quote:

Dental services
The MDT should be responsible for ensuring that specialised dentistry
is available for all patients who require it. Expert dental assessment
and treatment is important both before and after treatment, especially
when radiotherapy is being considered.

You could ask your oncologist to refer you to a NHS consultant in restorative dentistry for a free treatment plan and treatment (according to NICE guidelines)

Best wishes
Vinod

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Vinod K Joshi,

Dear Vinod

Thanks for the quick reply however the 1st link didn't work and I got 2 mins into the podcast before giving up with the constant dental terms, presumably aimed at dentist and not idiots like me.

My Oconologist has refered me BUT it's to a Harley street dentist who I doubt that I stand ANY chance of being able to afford. Maybe should have stated this up front.

My questions where based on at least having some idea of what to expect BEFORE going to see a dentist and not sit down to a £100 consultation to be told that "it will cost £20k to sort you out shall we start now".

A bit cynical I know, but as I say I just want some prior info. I should add that as far as know there are no problems with either my upper or lower jaw in terms bone deterioration and should need nothing different from anyone else who is looking to have implants or dentures.


Thanks


Ian

Have corrected link and elaborated my reply.

Dear Vinod

Thanks for the repaired link, although the podcast is still beyond me,

I fear the detal referall from Barts wont come as all of my treatment to date has been private and my insurance have told me I am NOT covered for dental work. Although i will of course ask if someone on the MDT team can at least give me a consultaton and advise on what is possible for me.

Thanks

Hi Ian
I am in the process of getting dental implants as I couldn't cope with the bottom denture they originally made for me.

Firstly, ask your consultant if he/she can refer you to a dentist (maybe at your local hospital) who specialises in restorative dentistry. I got a referral to my local university dental hospital. I am seen by a specialist dentist assisted by student dentists and my treatment has been excellent and,as it was applied for by my consultant, free as it is seen as part of my cancer treatment. They had to apply to the local health authority for funding for implants and they asked why I wanted implants instead of dentures. They accepted that loss of sensation and changes in tissue in my mouth makes it more difficult to use lower denture.

You can mix dentures and implants. I am getting upper denture and lower implants. They said it was easier to keep an upper denture in place so couldn't justify the extra cost.Sorry, I don't know price difference.

The pain, compared to what you've already been through is probably a walk in the park! Local anaesthetic and two days of taking iboprofen or paracetemol.

Hope this is of some use to you.

Sheila

Hi Shelia

Thank you for your post it's always good to get other peoples direct experience. I must admit i would have guess that if any dentures were easier to keep it place it would be at the bottom rather than the top, still you live and learn.

Can I ask how many of each type (denture/implant) you are getting and are they just molars or a mix?

When they are done (you don't say when) I would llove to hear how you got on in everyday use etc.

and thanks once again for taking the time to reply


Ian