Patients with oral cancer may have a whole medical team that works together to help during the treatment and the recovery, and this team, of course, includes your dentist. Your dentist is an important part of your diagnosis and keeping you healthy during and after your treatment, as well as with any reconstruction of your mouth that may be needed when your treatment is complete. Here is some more information on how your dentist can help you if you have oral cancer.

How can my dentist help?

Your dentist will work with the rest of your medical team to remove or treat your cancer and to help you with any side effects that you may have during and after your treatment. He or she is also an important part of any mouth reconstruction when your treatment is complete. During and after your treatment, you may be at risk for certain dental issues, such as:

• Increased number of cavities

• Increased sensitivity to hot and cold

• Gum disease

• Missing teeth

• Absence of tooth roots or shortening or thinning of the roots

• Tooth staining

• Baby teeth not falling out or delayed eruption of permanent teeth

• Dry mouth

• Problems with the jaw joint

• An underbite or overbite

If you are missing teeth after your cancer treatment is complete, your dentist can also help in oral cancer reconstruction. Replacing missing teeth not only helps you to enjoy eating more – it can help you to feel less self-conscious about your smile. Dr. Robert Bentz is a board certified prosthodontist (one of only 1500 in the world!) and he and his staff can help you find a solution for your missing teeth and any other issues you may have because of your cancer.

If you notice anything that looks unusual on your gums or in the tissue in your mouth, don’t hesitate to see your doctor or dentist – the earlier oral cancer is caught, the better the odds of effectively treating it. And if you are currently dealing with oral cancer or you want to discuss reconstruction after oral cancer, contact Bentz Dental Implant & Prosthodontic Center. Call for an appointment today, at (610) 272-6949.