Radiation therapy is used to treat cancerous cells by killing the cells. In oral cancers, radiation therapy is mostly recommended after the surgical removal of the cancerous tissue. The downside of radiation therapy is that it can also damage healthy cells, which could lead to other problems. For instance, the bone density in your jaw may decrease during radiation therapy, which may cause serious dental problems. If you have had radiation therapy and are looking for ways to restore your oral health, then you should know that dental implants can be a great option for tooth replacement.
Although one should be aware of these increased risks, implant-based reconstruction after radiation therapy is still successful in most cases! Here’s more information on what you should know about dental implants after radiation.
What is radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy is an effective treatment for many types of cancer, but it may also cause side effects. One of the more worrisome side effects of this therapy is that it can decrease bone density in your jaw, which can cause serious dental problems by making your teeth weaker and more prone to breaking.
Fortunately, there are other treatments for this problem. One option is dental implants. Dental implants are a way to replace missing teeth with artificial replacements that anchored into the jawbone.
Dental implants serve as an alternative to dentures or bridges, both of which may be ill-fitting or require extra care to maintain. Plus, you can get dental implants without even leaving home! They’re the perfect way to restore your oral health after radiation therapy.
The other issues after radiation therapy is the decrease in saliva content and dry mouth. This causes difficulty in speech and chewing. Other issues related to the reduced mouth opening and burning in the mouth.
Dental Implants after Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy may change the bone density in your jaw, which could lead to dental problems. For instance, radiation can cause tooth loss and damage your gums. Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and prevent dental issues from occurring post-radiation treatment.
When you have dental implants, which are anchored into the bone of your jaw; it provides a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Dental implants typically last at least 20 years and don’t require any maintenance like dentures or bridges do.
Implants after Cancer Treatment
Dental implants provide a great solution for missing teeth due to cancer treatments. If you’re looking for a way to restore your oral health after having radiation therapy, then dental implants are an excellent option!
The timing of placement of dental implant can be either during the oral cancer surgery or after about 18 months from the last date of surgery. CAJTeethTM technology enables us to predict the surgical extend and also create 3D models which can help us in the placement of dental implants along with SAPTeethTM during the surgery for cancer removal itself. The dental implants can be metallic or non-metallic and they do not interfere with radiation therapy.
In case you have already undergone radiation, then after about 18 months dental implants placed. But the success rate of dental implants is atleast 1.5x higher when placed before radiation.
Restoring Oral Health after Radiation Therapy
This therapy can lead to major dental problems, including bone degeneration, tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth and burning mouth sensation. With this therapy, your oral health may be in jeopardy. But considering the benefits of radiation therapy, it may be worth it to take a few extra precautions.
Dental implants offer a great way to replace lost teeth and reinstate your dental health after radiation therapy. You can opt for this procedure even if you have received radiation treatment in the past. It doesn’t matter how many times you have received radiation treatment, dental implants can help restore your oral health and give you back the smile you deserve!
If you’re considering dental implants after radiation therapy or want more information on restoring oral health after cancer treatments, don’t hesitate to call us today! We’ll answer all of your questions and help you find the right solution for restoring your oral health.
Conclusion by your Dentist
Typically dental implants can be placed on the same day as dental surgery. It have been reported that the success of immediate loading implants is higher than traditional. Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that can damage the hard and soft tissues in the mouth. In order to replace the teeth and gums, dental implants used to help restore oral health. And while this may seem scary, there are many ways to restore oral health with dental implants. The key is being well informed. If you’re a patient who is undergoing radiation, speak to your doctor about dental implants.
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