Dental Care for Cancer Patients

At Restorative and Implant Dentistry of Bayside, our board-certified prosthodontist, Dr. Sameet Sheth, offers a variety of treatments that can help patients suffering the oral side effects of cancer treatment. While cancer treatments can be life-saving, some may also bring along a host of side effects that can affect every part of the body, including the mouth. It is crucial for cancer patients to pay extra attention to their dental health as they navigate through treatment. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and certain medications can affect a patient’s mouth, potentially leading to mouth sores and dry mouth, thus making it difficult to swallow or speak. They can also result in the development of cavities and gum disease, as well as loss of teeth, due to an increased inability to fight off bacteria. Some patients may also notice their saliva quality becomes affected, which can cause tooth decay and other dental problems.

While some dentists may not feel comfortable treating cancer patients while they are currently undergoing treatment, Dr. Sheth knows how to treat and manage oral complications these patients may be experiencing. Additionally, patients can remain proactive before, during, and after cancer treatment by maintaining their oral care and dental hygiene routine, staying hydrated, avoiding foods that irritate the mouth, and visiting the dentist for scheduled check-ups.

In addition to treatments that can help relieve some of the oral side effects resulting from cancer treatments, Dr. Sheth is experienced with maxillofacial prosthetic procedures. In fact, Dr. Sheth completed fellowship training in maxillofacial prosthetics with the world-renowned Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. These treatments can help rebuild parts of oral structures such as the palate, jaw, or other areas of the mouth that have been removed due to cancer. Maxillofacial prosthetics are capable of improving both functional and aesthetic conditions.

Dr. Sheth is deeply committed to helping patients who are experiencing oral complications that may result from radiation therapy or other types of cancer treatment so they can place their focus on other aspects of their journey to recovery. To learn more about receiving dental care as a cancer patient, please contact our office today.