_ FAQ: “Does CRS and HIPEC Cause Dental Sensitivity?

Brian from the USA submits today’s FAQ. He was treated with CRS and HIPEC at a cancer treatment center last month, and has experienced dental sensitivity during his recuperation.

Q: “My teeth have been very sensitive to hot and cold following my surgery, a few weeks ago. The pain was more pronounced during the first two weeks following surgery, while I was hospitalized, yet continues to a lesser degree now that I am recuperating at home.

Have other ‘Pals’ experienced dental sensitivity after surgery? Is this a side effect of HIPEC? Neither my surgical oncologist, nor his assistant, have ever had a post op patient complain of this symptom before.”

Pal Patient, and Dentist, Dr Robert Rauch, USA, provides today’s response to this question:

The PMP Pals’ Network (established1998) has never received a complaint about post op dental sensitivity before. We suspect there is another cause for the sensitivity you are experiencing, and that it is not related to CRS HIPEC.

We suggest you schedule an appointment to consult with your personal dentist.

In the meantime, consider using Sensodyne, or a similar brand of toothpaste, specifically developed to protect against, and to provide relief from, dental sensitivity.

It is possible that the pain and sensitivity you are experienced is caused by clenching your jaw and/or grinding your teeth; common reactions to stress and tension. Patients may feel stressed during the weeks immediately following surgery. Some patients don’t recognize or realize when they are clenching their jaw during their waking hours, or, while sleeping. Your dentist can create a bite guard, customized to comfortably fit you, to alleviate this problem, if it is determined to be the source of your discomfort.

Your dentist can also examine your teeth to determine whether there is any other underlying source (eg an infection) as a possible cause of this pain.”



Robert Rauch, DDS is an Appendix Cancer patient, has personally experienced CRS and HIPEC, and serves as a Pal Mentor for the PMP Pals’ Network. He has been a dentist, in private practice for more than 30 years. Dr Rauch is the author of several books, including "SMILE: Be true to your teeth and they will never be false to you" and “Spiritual Signs and Lessons of a Survivor, Parts I and II.” Visit the “Recommended Reading” link on www.pmppals.org to order these inspirational books.

Articles posted in PMP Pals and on www.pmppals.org are written from the perspective of patients and family caregivers and are not intended to substitute for professional, licensed legal and/or healthcare advice. Patients should seek the counsel of their licensed professional consultants regarding their specific needs. Copyright © 2012 by PMP Pals’ Network/All rights reserved

 

 


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