Reference guide to oral health for oncology patients

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Prevention and management of oral complications

  • Head and Neck Radiation Therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Head and Neck Radiation Therapy

Patients receiving radiation therapy to the head and neck are at high risk for developing oral complications.

Because of the risk of osteonecrosis in irradiated fields, the only opportunity to perform oral surgery may be before radiation treatment begins. Before treatment, the dentist will consider extracting all potentially problem teeth.

Before Head and Neck Radiation Therapy:

  • Refer the patient to a dentist for a pretreatment

oral health examination.

  • Tell the dentist the treatment plan and timetable.
  • Help prevent tooth demineralization and radiation

cavities by making sure the patient has a good oral hygiene program and has received instruction on fluoride gel application.

  • Allow at least 14 days of healing for any oral surgical procedures.
  • Surgical procedures are contraindicated on irradiated bone, so make sure pre-prosthetic surgery is done before treatment begins.
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