Treating Oral Cancer

Affecting countless individuals annually, oral cancer refers to any kind of cell mutation or persistent growth in the mouth, including the roof, floor, sinuses, throat, and tongue. When it comes to treating oral cancer, early detection is particularly crucial. Through proactive screenings and biopsies conducted throughout the year, dentists can identify potential oral cancer warning signs early, which improves a patient’s chances of successful treatment and remission.

How is Oral Cancer Diagnosed?

Dentists are the first line of defense against oral cancer, as their specialized training in the health of the whole mouth can make it easier for them to spot symptoms of the disease. The screening process begins with a thorough exam of the mouth, nasopharynx, and larynx. The appearance of the tissue will also be examined for any lumps, sores, or discolorations that may be indicative of malignant growths. Finally, in-depth diagnostic images will be taken in order to monitor changes and identify any unusual growths.

If any suspicious lumps are uncovered, a biopsy will be performed and sent for analysis. After a diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan will be developed jointly by a team of medical and dental professions. Together, your oral surgeons, radiation oncologists, chemotherapy oncologists, dentists, nutritionists, and restoration dentists will create a treatment plan specific to your health needs and your specific cancer. Generally, this will include a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. However, which treatment or combination you receive is determined by how far your particular cancer has progressed.

How Do Oral Cancer Treatments Affect Dental Health?

Because radiation and other oral cancer treatments can negatively impact other dental health concerns, it is important that any potential oral conditions be addressed prior to undergoing radiation therapy. Your long-term remission plan often includes treatments for dental problems such as periodontal disease, caries, cavities, and decaying teeth. Tackling these issues prior to chemotherapy can reduce the chances of developing osteonecrosis, or damage of the jaw bone. Such jaw damage can make treating dental conditions difficult after you’ve completed cancer treatment.

Restoring Your Smile after Oral Cancer

At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we want to ensure your cancer treatment is as successful as possible and that your post-treatment dental health is of the best possible quality. Our oral surgeon offers a wide range of pre- and post-radiation treatments and have extensive experience partnering with other team members as a qualified and dedicated member of your cancer care team.

We offer prior-to-treatment tooth extraction, which can minimize complications brought on by unhealthy teeth. For certain cancers, oral surgery is recommended to remove the mass. We offer this service, as well as bone grafting to restore jaw bones to a healthy status. After treatment, we provide dental implants and implant supported restorations that can bring back your beautiful smile and enable you to eat and speak without pain. To learn more about these pre- and post- radiation dental treatments, contact your nearest location today.