Dental rehabilitation is the process of restoring a patient’s oral functions and aesthetics, while maintaining the integrity of the dental structures. It can be achieved through multiple treatment methods depending on the available teeth, quantity of remaining teeth, and individual needs of the patient. In cases where patients have undergone treatment for oral cancer involving surgery or radiation, can get their dental rehabilitation. In this article we will discuss post-treatment care for rehabilitation in patients with oral cancers.
Description of dental rehabilitation
Dental rehabilitation is a reconstructive procedure that can be used to treat dental decay, tooth loss, and/or the effects of oral cancer. By combining the expertise of dentists, periodontists, orthodontists, and dental hygienists, dental rehabilitation aims to address the issues that patients face such as difficulty eating, restoring facial symmetry, and improving their self-confidence. Depending on the severity of the dental issues, dental rehabilitation may include restorative, surgical, and/or dental crown treatment options.
Goals of dental rehabilitation
The goals of dental rehabilitation are to restore the patient’s oral functions, aesthetics, and quality of life. This is achieved by removing the diseased tissue, restoring the remaining teeth, and providing artificial teeth if applicable. There are two types of dental rehabilitation: Immediate and delayed. Immediate dental rehabilitation is necessary for oral cancer patients who have undergone surgery, radiation therapy, or both.
This procedure is usually completed within 6 to 12 months after the treatment, and it aims to restore the patient’s oral functions, aesthetics, and self-confidence. Delayed dental rehabilitation is for patients who have received radiation therapy for oral cancers. Delayed dental rehabilitation is usually performed 1 to 2 years after the treatment.
Dental rehabilitation treatment options
Depending on the quantity and quality of the patient’s remaining teeth, their dentist may recommend one or more treatment options for dental rehabilitation. Restorative treatment involves restoring the patient’s teeth with crowns, bridges, or implants. Surgical treatment is recommended when both the teeth and adjacent bone are diseased. Surgical procedures may include bone regeneration, tooth extraction, and dental implants. Prosthetic treatment is recommended when all of the patient’s teeth need to be extracted. It includes partial dentures and full dentures.
SAPTeeth for post-treatment care in oral cancer
If the patient’s dentist finds that it is necessary to extract all of their teeth, they will most likely recommend that the patient wear a full denture. A full denture is an artificial set of teeth that can be removed and reinserted at will. The dentist will remove all of the patient’s remaining teeth and then attach the dentures to the gums. This can be done either surgically or with an adhesive. A partial denture can also be worn if there is one or two teeth left in the dental arch. The patient is required to wear the dentures all the time. The prostheses are typically made with acrylic resin, cast metal, or porcelain.
Implants for immediate post-treatment care in cancer patients
Dental implants are an excellent option for post-treatment care in oral cancers. They can be used for immediate dental rehabilitation after the patient has undergone surgery, radiation therapy, or both. Dental implants are artificial teeth that have been surgically implanted into the patient’s jawbone. The implant will serve as the foundation for an artificial tooth, such as a crown, denture, or bridge. The implant can also be used to attach a removable partial denture. Dental implants can restore the aesthetics and functions of the patient’s teeth, resulting in a natural-looking smile.
Conclusion
In cases where patients have undergone treatment for oral cancer, they may require additional treatments to restore their smile. Dental rehabilitation is a reconstructive procedure that can be used to treat dental decay, tooth loss, and/or the effects of oral cancer. Goals of rehabilitation are to restore the patient’s oral functions, aesthetics, and quality of life. Depending on the severity of the dental issues, dental rehabilitation may include restorative, surgical, and/or prosthetic treatment options. Implants can be used for immediate post-treatment care in oral cancer patients.
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