Malignant Disease and the Delivery of Dental Care

From Volume 37, Issue 1, January 2010 | Pages 20-26

Authors

Robin A Seymour

BDS, FDS RCS, FDS RCS(Edin), PhD, FHKAMS

Dean of Dentistry and Professor of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dental Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4BW, UK

Articles by Robin A Seymour

Graham Walton

BDS, FDS, RCS(Eng), MB, BS, Dip Con Sed

Associate Specialist in Restorative Dentistry, Department of Restorative Dentistry, The Dental Hospital, Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AZ, UK

Articles by Graham Walton

Abstract

Patients diagnosed or being treated for malignant disease can neglect their dental care and be reluctant to undertake dental treatment. This article considers the dental problems that may arise in such patients and how they can be managed. Chemotherapy and its sequelae are the main challenges to the delivery of routine dental care. For such patients, it is important to liaise with their oncologists to obtain an up-to-date haematological profile and time frame for any future treatments. For all such patients, dental care may be neglected, but it is important that dental and oral health is maintained.

Article