Repairing Missing Bone with Grafts

If you’ve had cancer, you know that life is different after you’re cancer-free. You may have had radiation and chemotherapy, and been left feeling tired and very unlike your normal self. If you’ve had cancer in the mouth, your daily routine may be very different, too. You may have difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking if you’ve had surgery to remove areas on your mouth that were infected.

Keep reading to learn more about jaw surgery and how we can help you overcome loss of bone in the jaw due to cancer.

Jaw Bone Pain

Pain in the jaw bone, difficulty eating, or swelling in the mouth can all indicate that there is something going on in the jaw. Lumps on the roof of your mouth or along the jawline may also indicate that there is something serious going on, and it may lead to a cancer diagnosis. Cancer is easiest to treat when it is found early, so we recommend having regular check-ups with your dentist which include a cancer screening. This is especially important for those individuals who smoke or use chewing tobacco.

Removal

Often, when there is cancer found on the bones (or the mandible, which is often affected when we discuss mouth cancer), part of the bone must be removed. This helps prevent the spread of cancer, which is very important. Having any part of our bodies change (or be removed) is emotionally hard for us, but often it is the only way to protect you from further damage due to cancer.

Bone Transfer

If part of the mandible area must be removed, there are ways that we can help restore the look and function of that area. Bone grafting has proven very successful in helping patients continue to have normal function of their mouths, which includes speaking, eating, and chewing as they used to.

If you’ve had part of your jaw removed for cancer treatment, or you need that treatment still, consider Montefiore Dental for your dental needs. We have a very skilled team set of surgeons who are here to help you with various aspects of your cancer treatment. Call us today at (888) 700-6623 to schedule a consultation.