Dental Oncologyin Manhattan
Oral health plays a critical role in cancer care, yet it is often overlooked. At Dr. Debbie Lee PC, we specialize in dental oncology, providing comprehensive, evidence-based dental care for patients before, during, and after cancer treatment.
Dedicated to Excellence
What is Dental Oncology?
Dental oncology is a field of dentistry that focuses on managing the oral health needs of cancer patients. Many cancer treatments—such as radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy—can cause significant dental and oral complications, including dry mouth, infections, mouth sores, gum inflammation, and tooth loss.
As a highly skilled dental oncologist, Dr. Debbie Lee works in collaboration with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and head and neck surgeons to develop comprehensive treatment plans that support your health, comfort, and quality of life. Her unique approach involves full head and neck oral cancer screenings, pre-treatment dental preparation, and long-term oral health management tailored to the unique needs of patients undergoing cancer therapies.
The Dental Oncology Process
At Dr. Debbie Lee PC, we take a comprehensive and compassionate approach to supporting patients through their cancer journey.
Your journey starts with an assessment of your oral health in relation to your cancer treatment. This includes advanced imaging with low radiation, a thorough soft tissue exam, evaluation of bite mechanics and jaw comfort, and a tailored risk assessment based on your treatment plan. We then create a proactive treatment plan to address urgent issues and implement preventive measures before therapy begins.
During cancer treatment, we provide careful oversight and specialized attention. This includes regular check-ups aligned with your treatment timeline, prompt action for any developing issues, and personalized strategies for addressing dry mouth, tissue sensitivity, and pain are essential.
Throughout this phase, we maintain ongoing collaboration with your oncology team, ensuring all dental interventions are appropriately timed and coordinated with your medical care. This integrated approach allows us to provide comprehensive support during what is often the most challenging phase of your treatment journey.
After completing cancer therapy, we focus on restoring optimal oral health and function, addressing any changes that occurred during treatment. For many patients, this involves comprehensive reconstruction of affected dental structures, which may include specialized implant protocols, custom prosthetics, or targeted tissue regeneration.
Your Questions, Answered
Explore our FAQs or reserve a consultation with Dr. Lee for personalized advice.
How does Dr. Lee work with my oncologist?
Dr. Lee collaborates directly with your oncology team, ensuring that all dental treatments align seamlessly with your overall medical care plan, supporting your long-term health and recovery.
Will I need dental restorations after my cancer treatment?
It depends on your unique situation. Some patients experience tooth loss, enamel erosion, or gum recession, which can be effectively restored with dental implants, crowns, or other reconstructive options tailored to your needs.
Beyond immediate restoration, we establish ongoing preventive care protocols tailored to your post-cancer oral health needs, providing continued support as you transition back to wellness. This long-term perspective ensures that your oral health remains stable and comfortable in the years following cancer treatment.
How often should I see a dentist during cancer treatment?
We recommend more frequent dental check-ups (every 4-6 weeks, depending on your treatment plan) to monitor for mouth sores, infections, and other oral side effects of cancer therapies.
Why is dental care important before starting cancer treatment?
Cancer therapies can weaken the immune system and make the mouth more susceptible to infections, gum disease, and severe dry mouth. Addressing oral health before treatment reduces complications, discomfort, and the risk of delaying cancer therapy due to dental issues.
Still Have Questions?
Call us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
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