Late Effects of Pediatric Cancer Therapy-Dental Effects
Patients & Caregivers
Some cancer therapies may have a long-term impact on growth and development and should be recognized when caring for pediatric patients. Teeth develop in phases and those who have gotten radiation therapy at different times and in different amounts may have no normal symptoms. Missing teeth and short or missing tooth roots, while not common, may still occur.
Best practices
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Caregivers who bring children who’ve received cancer care to a pediatric dentist benefit from updates on growth and development through close monitoring
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Pediatric dentists may provide a referral to a general dentist or prosthodontist who can assess for future dental rehabilitation needs
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Dentists and prosthodontists who write a letter to both the dental and medical insurers can create awareness of potential future complex needs.
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For more information about the late effects of pediatric cancer therapy and oral health, see these resources:
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Late Effects for Treatment for Childhood Cancer - National Cancer Institute
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Prosthodontic management of abnormal tooth development secondary to chemoradiotherapy: a clinical report - Samuel R Zwetchkenbaum, Won-suck Oh
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Dental Health - Children’s Oncology Group
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You may also wish to learn about:
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DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information on the Rhode Island Cancer and Oral Health Resource Guide, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other external materials are for informational purposes only. The Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island does not provide medical advice. The information on this website is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.