ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT@#Head and neck cancer patients require oral assessment and management prior, during and after cancer treatment to minimise oral complications. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate sociodemographic data, oral health management, oral complications derived from cancer treatment, time frame in completing dental treatment and association between oral management and complications. Purposive record sampling of head and neck cancer patients who completed radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) from 2011 to 2017 were reviewed. A checklist was used to record the data and analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Chi-square test. A number of 194 patient records were reviewed with majority were Malays (88.1%), males (61.3%) with the mean age of 57.18 years old. Only 21% of the patients had oral assessment prior to cancer treatment. About 84% of the referred patients were dentally fit within 1 month. Mucositis and fungal infections were the most prevalent complications. The relationship between oral assessment prior to cancer treatment and oral complications was not significant (p = 0.134). Despite the insignificant association due to several limitations, oral assessment and management prior, during and after cancer therapy are recognised as crucial for improving quality of life. A standard institutional operating procedure is recommended to improve patient care.
Subject(s)
Dental CareABSTRACT
ABSTRACT@#Globally, non-syndromic tooth agenesis is commonly seen in clinical practice. However, its management is often complex and requires a multidisciplinary team approach for the maximal outcome. While various treatment options are possible, considerations for the treatment are not only based on the dentofacial conditions but also cultural and social background and personal preference of the patient. Thus, patientcentred care approach should always be practised for an optimal outcome. In the present case, a patient with established craniofacial growth presenting with bilateral agenesis of maxillary lateral incisors and over-retained deciduous maxillary left canine sought for aesthetic improvements. The patient did not prefer any orthodontic treatment citing a prolonged treatment duration and sub-optimal motivation as a hindrance. Thus, a prosthodontic only approach was taken by providing a conventional cantilever bridge and ceramic veneers to achieve the aims of treatment. This article discusses the possible limitation of such prosthodontic only solution in managing tooth agenesis.