WHAT IS DENTAL ONCOLOGY?
Dental Oncology is an area of dentistry focusing on the dental and oral manifestations of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or head and neck surgery.
The discipline deals with evaluating patients before they undergo stem cell and bone marrow transplants, receive anti-resorptive medications (including bisphosphonates) or chemotherapy, and undergo radiation treatment.
Additionally, dental oncologists provide periodic care during and after cancer therapy. Dental oncologists not only provide general dental treatment, including restorative dentistry, but they also treat and manage the dental and oral side effects and sequelae of cancer therapy such as mouth sores, thrush, and dry mouth.
Furthermore, dental oncologists are knowledgeable in the developmental side effects of cancer therapy and are equipped to uniquely treat pediatric patients with a history of cancer.
The dental oncology team is devoted to working closely with the patient’s medical oncologists to enhance the quality of life of those fighting cancer.
Originally published at laurenlevidmd.com
