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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Had Radiation Therapy At The Base Of Tongue, Nose, Neck, Had Tooth Extraction With Stitches. Still Is Pink. What To Do ?

10 years ago I had radiation therapy at the base of my tongue, behind my nose and left side of my neck for squamous cell cancer. I am doing very well today. Recently, I considered have implants on my upper teeth but was told I would need 30 days of HBO therapy for the extraction of one remaining tooth. The rest of the teeth I still had after the radiation mainly just fell out except for this one tooth.Thirty days of HBO therapy seemed like "overkill" for one tooth so sought a second opinion. The second dentist agreed with me that it was overkill and extracted the tooth and fitted me for uppers (I had decide against implants). The site of the extraction bothered me over the next few months. The area was sensitive to the touch and felt like there was a lump in the at the site of the extration. I went back to him and he took x-rays. He found one of the roots was still there. He made a small incision and pulled the root out. Here's my problem today. That area is still somewhat sensitive (it's been about 6 weeks since removing the root) and at times it throbs, especially during the night, however, it is not unbearable. Also, at times, when eating, I feel like my nose is running and it's blood coming from my left nostril (same side where tooth was extracted) only not dark red blood, but a pinkish color. It only seems to happen when taking a large bite, like out of a sandwich. I like my dentist, but should I seek another opinion and if so, what type of dentist or specialist? In your opinion, should I have had the HBO therapy. By the way, my first dentist called the oncologist and he said I had the maximum amount of radiation in the area.

Thank you and I'm anxiously awaiting a reply.
Fri, 17 May 2013
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Oncologist 's  Response
Dear,
Since you had radiation in facial region for cancer, firstly I should congratulate you that the disease has not recured in these 10 yrs. and you are cured.
radiation treatment causes fibrosis and radionecrosis of teeth which fall after exposure to radiation. if a small or major surgery is done in the irradiated area there will be very much delayed wound healing and infection.secondly the irradiated area becomes dry and cracks occur on the area leading to parial bleeding or oozing.you should use hygenic lubricating agents in consultation with your doctor to prevent further cracking, you should avoid any further surgical procedure and have conventional treatment from your dentist and slowly your problem will be redressed.
I hope you got my point.
Truly,
dr. j. Ticku
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Had Radiation Therapy At The Base Of Tongue, Nose, Neck, Had Tooth Extraction With Stitches. Still Is Pink. What To Do ?

Dear, Since you had radiation in facial region for cancer, firstly I should congratulate you that the disease has not recured in these 10 yrs. and you are cured. radiation treatment causes fibrosis and radionecrosis of teeth which fall after exposure to radiation. if a small or major surgery is done in the irradiated area there will be very much delayed wound healing and infection.secondly the irradiated area becomes dry and cracks occur on the area leading to parial bleeding or oozing.you should use hygenic lubricating agents in consultation with your doctor to prevent further cracking, you should avoid any further surgical procedure and have conventional treatment from your dentist and slowly your problem will be redressed. I hope you got my point. Truly, dr. j. Ticku