Oncology Services at Realtooth Dental Clinic in Lucknow
The most important step in reducing the death rate from oral cancer is early discovery. No group has a better opportunity to have a positive impact on this than members of dental community. Mutual understanding and collaboration between the oncologist and dental surgeon is crucial for standardizing patient care and for improving oral care standards.
Keeping this philosophy in practice the Realtooth Dental Clinic in Lucknow, apart from catering specialized dental needs of patients, is looking forward to build its centers as an oral medicine practice dedicated to meeting the unique dental and oral health needs of patients battling cancer in Lucknow.
Oncology Services Provided By Realtooth
- Assessment of mouth and teeth before radiation therapy and chemotherapy
- Preparation of mouth before radiation therapy
- Diagnostic assessment to lesion inside mouth
- Preparation of complex oral devices to aid radiation therapy treatment
- Management of mouth and associate during and after radiation therapy and chemotherapy
- Preparation of prosthesis, which may be required as a result of surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy to the head and neck region
At Realtooth we are trying to highlight the need for improved communication between medical and dental professionals in order to deliver more effective care to patients. The need for communication is increasingly required to capitalize on recent advances in biological sciences and in medicine for the management of patients with chronic diseases. Improvements in longevity have resulted in populations with increasing special oral care needs, including those who have cancer of head and neck, those who are immuno-compromised due to HIV/AIDS, advanced age, residence in long term care facilities or the presence of life long conditions and even those who are receiving long term prescription medications for chronic conditions (eg., anti hypertensives, anti coagulants, immune suppressants, antidepressants.) These medications can cause adverse reactions in the oral cavity, such as xerostomia and ulcerations. Patients with xerostomia are at increased risk of tooth decay, periodontal disease and infection. The ideal management of such individuals should involve the collaborative efforts of physicians, nurses, dentists and dental hygienist, thus optimizing treatment and minimizing secondary complications deriving from the oral cavity.
The oral cavity provides a variety of surfaces for bacterial colonization and each environment supports a characteristic bacterial population on mucosal and tooth surfaces. This bacterial population is influenced by many factors such as integrity of soft tissues, oral hygiene, saliva, and diet, host’s immune and inflammatory response. Numerous examples illustrate the devastating effect that immune suppression, radiation therapy and medication can have on the oral tissues. There is also increasing evidence that periodontal disease may be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, premature low- birth weight babies and respiratory diseases. As the life expectancy of the population has increased and due to advances in medical science, it is highly recommended that the medical and dental professionals integrate their care of patients. The collaboration between inter- disciplinary health care professionals would result in early referral of patients leading to early diagnosis and prompt management of emerging medical conditions.
Oral Health and Cancer Therapy
All types of cancer treatment may predispose to oral complications, and it is important that patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy and bone marrow transplant receive advice from a trained dental professional prior to treatment. Such treatments are frequently associated with the oral complications that impact on the quality of life and the cost of care.
Dry mouth, gingival bleeding, mucositis and ulceration contribute to the discomfort of patients and interfere with the daily activities such as eating and talking. Oral complications may delay cancer treatment and may be dose limiting and thus may influence the outcome. Collaboration between the oral medicine specialist and the oncology team can significantly benefit patients which should also include an initial evaluation prior to treatment followed by regular follow ups during the operative and post operative periods.
To get a regular checkup from an expert experienced oncologist in lucknow call at Realtooth Oncologist at: +918881900300