Cancer Survivors Who Have Undergone Radiation Therapy Can Smile Again Thanks To Dental Implants

According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 1.5 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year. While there are several treatment options available today, approximately 60% of cancer patients are treated with radiation therapy.



Radiation therapy (or radiotherapy) uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and stop them from spreading. While highly effective at treating cancer, radiation to the head and neck have been known to cause late side effects to the mouth, including dry mouth, extensive tooth decay, bone loss in the jaw and chronic pain.



Patients who have been treated with radiation therapy have found that dental implants can help them regain their smile and improve their oral health and quality of life.



It is important to note that an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, rather than a general dentist or periodontist, should see patients who have undergone radiation therapy. The risk for complications is high, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the only dental specialists who have the training and expertise to manage and treat such dental implant cases.



Before placing dental implants, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon may recommend hyperbaric oxygen treatment to improve the blood supply to the jawbone and reverse the damage caused by the radiation therapy. Once complete, dental implants can be placed.



When choosing a dental implant center, patients may wish to consider a facility that has the 3D CT scan, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, restorative dentist and dental lab all under one roof. These "all-in-one" centers allow the doctors to collaborate more efficiently on the case since they work so closely together. This is also much more convenient for the patient since they won’t have to schedule multiple appointments to see different dental specialists at difference office locations.



Eon Clinics, is an "all-in-one" dental implant center that has successful treated patients who have undergone radiation therapy, using the All-on-4TM technique. This technique allows patients to receive dental implants and a full set of permanent teeth in just one day. For someone who has survived cancer and is now suffering with bone loss, chronic pain and extensive tooth decay, dental implants can help restore their smile, self-confidence and quality of life.



Cancer survivors who have undergone radiation therapy can smile again thanks to dental implants. It is important that these patients consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon if they are considering dental implants.





Authors Bio -


The author provides information about dental implants and dental specialists who place dental implants in Chicago. He has provided suggestions to patients who are suffering with missing teeth or other problems with the health of their teeth. For more information visit http://www.eonclinics.com