Role of the dental surgeon in the prevention and management of oral complications resulting from cancer treatment
a literature review
Keywords:
medical oncology, Dental Care, Oral ComplicationsAbstract
The role of the dental surgeon is essential in the oncological setting, as oral health is frequently undervalued in therapeutic planning, resulting in increased morbidity and damage to the patients' quality of life. The objective of this study was to analyze, through a literature review, the effects of oncological treatments on the oral cavity, emphasizing the main oral complications and the importance of dental management. The theoretical framework addressed the pathophysiology of morbidities such as oral mucositis, xerostomia, and osteoradionecrosis, in addition to highlighting the strategic role of the dentist in the multidisciplinary team during pre-, trans-, and post-treatment stages. The methodology consisted of a qualitative narrative review, with searches in the CAPES, PubMed, PMC, Scielo, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The time frame covered the period from 2020 to 2026, resulting in the final selection of 25 scientific articles. The results demonstrate that photobiomodulation is the gold standard for the treatment of mucositis and that prior oral preparation significantly reduces the risk of bone necrosis and opportunistic infections. It is concluded that hospital and outpatient dental care is decisive for the prevention of severe complications, ensuring the continuity of the antineoplastic schedule and the promotion of the well-being and dignity of the oncological patient.
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