Dental Implants After Oral Cancer

Last updated on August 25th, 2018 at 04:54 pm

Did you know that April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month? Cancer is caused by uncontrolled growth of certain cells. These cells then invade the surrounding tissue and cause damage. Oral cancer usually starts as a sore or a growth in the mouth that does not heal or go away on it’s own. There are various forms of oral cancer. These include cancers of the tongue, lips, cheeks, sinuses, floor of the mouth, soft and hard palate, and pharynx (throat). Oral cancer can be life threatening. That is why it is important to be diagnosed and treated early.

Dental Implants After Oral Cancer

Many patients wind up getting dental implants after oral cancer. Since some forms of oral cancer require tooth extractions, the patient is left with a need for replacements. It is true that some people still opt for traditional dentures, but more and more people are choosing dental implants after oral cancer. Let’s take a closer look at oral cancer, including it’s symptoms.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Here is a list of some of the more frequent symptoms of oral cancer:

• Lumps or swellings, rough spots, crusts or worn away areas on the gums, lips, or other regions inside the mouth
• Unexpected bleeding within your mouth
• Pain in your ears
• A sudden, significant loss of weight
• The development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth
• Loss of feeling or numbness, or pain or tenderness in any area of the mouth, neck, or face
• Frequent sores on the neck, face, or mouth that tend to bleed and seem not to heal within 2 to 3 weeks
• Hard time swallowing or chewing, moving your jaw or tongue, or speaking
• A consistent sore throat, or a sudden change in voice

Contact The Dental Implants and Oral Surgery Specialists of Indiana immediately, if you notice any of the above changes.

Oral Cancer Outlook

Overall, it is expected that the 1-year survival rate for people with all stages of oral and pharynx cancers is 81%. Survival rates for the 5- and 10-year time frame are 56% and 41%, respectively.

dental implants after oral cancer

It is estimated that annually 9,000 Americans die from oral cancers. This figure exceeds the death rates for Hodgkin’s disease, cervical cancer, and malignant melanoma.

Long term use of tobacco or alcohol, and exposure to the sun, are the top risk factors for oral cancers in the U.S. Both early detection and eliminating risk factors can significantly help to reduce the mortality and morbidity of oral cancers.

If you or someone you know has had their teeth extracted due to an oral cancer, then you should consider dental implants as a solution after oral cancer.

Oral Cancer Screening

When you visit The Oral Surgery and Dental Implants Specialists of Indiana, we will conduct and oral cancer screening exam. This is part of your routine dental exam. We perform this exam by feeling for any bumps or lumps in or around your mouth. We will also look for any irregular tissue changes in your face, head, neck, or oral cavity. When we examine your mouth, we will also look for any discolored tissue or sores. We will also check for any of the symptoms and/or signs as discussed above.

If any abnormalities are discovered, we may perform or request additional tests. We may also take small tissue samples for biopsy.