Facing cancer treatment takes tremendous courage, and the journey can impact your smile in ways you might not expect. If you’ve noticed changes to your teeth or gums during or after cancer therapy, you’re not alone – and there’s hope for restoration. At David Eskow, DDS Family Dentistry, our dedicated restorative dentists understand the unique dental challenges cancer survivors face and offer compassionate, comprehensive solutions to help you reclaim your confident smile.
Cancer treatments, while life-saving, can impact your oral health through dry mouth, an increased risk of cavities, gum problems, and, in some cases, tooth loss. The American Dental Association notes that cancer and cancer treatments can cause gingivitis and dry mouth, making proper dental care essential during recovery. We’re here to partner with you in restoring both your oral health and self-confidence as you move forward.
Understanding How Cancer Treatment Affects Your Oral Health
Cancer therapies can impact your mouth in several ways. Chemotherapy may weaken your immune system, making you more prone to infections and gum disease. Radiation to the head and neck area damages the salivary glands, resulting in chronic dry mouth and an increased risk of cavities. Some medications can cause mouth sores or alter your sense of taste.
These side effects aren’t just uncomfortable, but may impact your quality of life and nutrition. That’s why working with a dental team experienced in post-cancer care makes such a difference in your recovery journey.
Comprehensive Restoration Options
Addressing Dry Mouth and Its Effects
Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, results from an inadequate flow of saliva. Saliva is the mouth’s primary defense against tooth decay. We offer several solutions to combat this common post-treatment challenge:
Professional-strength fluoride treatments help strengthen weakened enamel and prevent cavities. Custom fluoride trays allow you to continue protective treatments at home. We may also recommend prescription saliva substitutes or medications that stimulate saliva production, along with specialized oral rinses designed for dry mouth relief.
Rebuilding Damaged or Lost Teeth
Cancer treatment sometimes necessitates tooth extraction or can lead to severe decay. We offer multiple restoration options tailored to your specific needs and recovery status.
Crowns provide an excellent solution for teeth weakened by decay or damage and can strengthen teeth with large cavities when there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure to hold the filling. Materials look completely natural while providing lasting protection.
Bridges replace one or more missing teeth by adhering to healthy teeth on either side of the gap. This option restores both function and appearance without the need for surgery.
Dentures offer a comprehensive solution for extensive tooth loss. Today’s dentures are significantly more comfortable and natural-looking than their predecessors, enabling you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Treating Gum Disease and Tissue Health
Cancer treatments can increase your susceptibility to gum problems. Our gentle yet thorough approach includes deep cleanings to remove harmful bacteria and promote healing. We use the latest techniques to ensure your comfort while effectively treating any gum disease that may have developed during your cancer journey.
For more advanced cases, we work closely with periodontists to ensure you receive specialized care when needed. Our collaborative approach ensures you always have access to the expertise needed for optimal healing.
Creating Your Personalized Recovery Plan
Every cancer survivor’s dental needs are unique. During your consultation, we’ll conduct a thorough evaluation of your oral health, discuss your treatment history, and understand your personal goals. This creates a customized restoration plan that considers your overall health status and any ongoing medical treatments.
We coordinate closely with your oncology team to ensure all dental work aligns with your overall recovery timeline. Some procedures may need to wait until your immune system has sufficiently recovered, while others can begin immediately to prevent further complications.
Gentle Care During Your Healing Journey
We understand that cancer survivors may have heightened sensitivity or anxiety about dental procedures. Our team specializes in providing gentle, patient-centered care that respects your comfort level and unique needs. We offer various comfort options, including topical numbing gels before injections and breaks whenever needed.
Your appointments are scheduled with extra time to ensure you never feel rushed. We encourage open communication about any concerns or discomfort, allowing us to adjust our approach to best support your healing.
Ongoing Support and Prevention
Restoring your smile after cancer treatment is just the beginning. We help you maintain your oral health in the long term through regular preventive care tailored to your specific risk factors. This includes more frequent cleanings if needed, ongoing fluoride treatments, and careful monitoring for any changes.
We’ll also provide you with personalized home care instructions and recommend products specifically designed to meet the oral health needs of cancer survivors. Approximately 40% of the 1.25 million Americans diagnosed with cancer each year develop oral complications from their cancer therapy, making specialized dental care an essential part of your ongoing wellness plan.
Take the First Step Toward Smile Restoration
You’ve shown incredible strength throughout your cancer journey – now let us help you reclaim your smile. At David Eskow, DDS Family Dentistry, we combine advanced restoration techniques with compassionate, personalized care to help cancer survivors achieve optimal oral health. Recognized as a Top Dentist in 2023 and 2025, we’re committed to providing the exceptional care you deserve.
Our Olney practice offers flexible payment options and works with you to maximize your insurance benefits, ensuring restoration treatment remains accessible. Ready to explore your smile restoration options? Call (301) 774-2000 or schedule your consultation online today.