Oral side effects are commonplace with cancer chemotherapy and adjunctive therapies. Intravenous bisphosphonate therapy can lead to osteonecrosis ...
A Peer-Reviewed Publication Written by Laurel Swartzentruber and Dr. Elena Bablenis Haveles, Bs Pharmacy, PharmD
Abstract
Oral side effects are commonplace with cancer chemotherapy and adjunctive therapies. Intravenous bisphosphonate therapy can lead to osteonecrosis, especially after a tooth extraction or oral surgery. Professional prophylaxis should be scheduled every 3-6 month, depending on risk factors and the patient's overall health. Meticulous home care is vital to the patient's well being as well. Chemotherapy can cause a host of oral side effects including hypersensitivity due to discomfort and pain, ulcerated gingival tissues, taste alteration, erosion of tooth enamel due to vomiting, and mucositis. The primary method of treating mucositis is palliative therapy. Therapy includes home oral hygiene, pain control, oral rinses, and palliation of dry mouth. It is important for dental professionals to be aware of these side effects and counsel their patients appropriately.
Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of this educational activity participants will be able to:
List the signs and symptoms of osteonecrosis associated with bisphosphonate therapy.
Describe the oral care regimen for patients on bisphosphonate therapy, to minimize the risk of developing osteonecrosis.
Describe the potential consequences of tooth extraction in a patient receiving bisphosphonate therapy.
List and describe the treatments available for oral mucositis.
List and describe the guidelines that the dental professionals should use when performing oral health care on patients receiving chemotherapy.
List and describe the guidelines that patients receiving chemotherapy should follow to maintain good oral health.
Please click here to view the course in its entirety.
Whether you recently decided to make the leap or are still thinking it over, moving from server-based to cloud-based practice management software requires careful thought and ...
You've likely heard of “cloud-based” practice management software, but understanding it is another matter. Simply put, it involves accessing data via the internet, offering flexibility...
Discussing dental costs can be uncomfortable, but patient-led financing lets patients privately explore options that fit their budget, making it easier to accept necessary care...
Is your practice easy for patients to work with, or is there room for improvement? A recent report highlights that convenience, especially in digital support and access, often...
