Purpose of review: This article reviews the recent literature relating to dental rehabilitation of the oral cancer patient. The impact of loss of teeth on the well being of the oral cancer patient, the process of dental rehabilitation and the latest outcome studies are discussed.
Recent findings: For patients treated for oral cancer major concerns may include their ability to masticate, speak and swallow and if these issues are not addressed this may lead to psychological difficulties. The loss of teeth is a determinant of patient health-related quality of life, with a reduced self-perceived oral health status in association with greater numbers of missing teeth. There is, therefore, a patient need and demand for dental rehabilitation which aims to restore orofacial form and function and general well being. Dental rehabilitation begins at time of diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach is critical for best treatment outcomes. Implant-based dental rehabilitation is an effective treatment modality but should be used judiciously. The beneficial effects of dental rehabilitation may be veiled by the side effects of cancer and concurrent comorbidities.
Summary: The introduction of three-dimensional planning, guided implant surgery and manufacturing tools has facilitated the treatment of head and neck cancer patients and challenges long-held dogma of treatment.