Practical considerations in the dental treatment of patients with head and neck cancer

Abstract

The dentist's first obligation to cancer patients is an early diagnosis and prompt referral to a competent specialist. He should also understand the emotional impact of cancer, and be cautious in his statements to the patient. The physician should be aware of the capabilities and limitations of maxillofacial prosthesis, and be prepared to work closely with the dentist. This should include a pretreatment consultation to prepare diagnostic casts, immediate postsurgical prosthesis, or to perform necessary preradiation extractions of teeth. Early postsurgical prosthetic treatment will speed the patient's recovery and could prevent difficulty later. The dentist must maintain a positive attitude toward his patient and the success of his procedures, and to this end he should enlist the aid of responsible members of the patient's family. Continued treatment in the face of an unfavorable prognosis is essential. The dentist should use the same fee basis for a maxillofacial prosthesis that he applies to other prosthetic units. Some health insurance policies cover this service, but more assistance of this type is necessary.