Dental Care After Cancer of the Head, Neck, or Mouth

Cancer treatments can save your life, but it may also leave lasting challenges in the mouth, jaws, and throat.

Dr. Christian J. Luzar

Provides preventive strategies and restorative solutions so you can eat, speak, and smile confidently through every stage of survivorship.

Facing radiation, chemo, or post-surgical complications?

Video
Video
Special Dental Needs Cancer Patients
Call (760) 674-8881 or click Schedule My Consultation
for a personalized oral-health plan.

Why Specialized Dental
Care Matters

Each year about 43 000 Americans—predominantly men over 40 and smokers—are diagnosed with oral, tongue, or throat cancer.

Common Side-Effects & Oral Challenges
Surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy can eradicate tumors, yet side effects such as dry mouth, bone fragility, and tissue loss may persist without targeted dental support.
Special Dental Needs Cancer Patients
Surgical defects

loss of teeth, sections of jaw, palate, or tongue affecting chewing and speech.

Special Dental Needs Cancer Patients
Dry mouth (xerostomia)

decreased saliva from chemo or radiation, raising decay risk.

Special Dental Needs Cancer Patients
Radiation-related bone changes

slower healing and higher infection risk (osteoradionecrosis).

Special Dental Needs Cancer Patients
Ulcers, fungal infections, taste alteration

discomfort that hinders oral hygiene.

Personalized Solutions with Maxillofacial Expertise
Special Dental Needs Cancer Patients
Pre-treatment evaluation

baseline cleaning, fluoride regimen, extractions if bone health is at risk.

Special Dental Needs Cancer Patients
Custom fluoride trays & gels

combat radiation-induced cavities along the gumline.

Special Dental Needs Cancer Patients
Medicated rinses & saliva substitutes

ease ulcer pain and dryness during chemo.

Special Dental Needs Cancer Patients
Obturators, speech plates & facial prostheses

restore function and appearance after surgical resection.

Special Dental Needs Cancer Patients
Implant-anchored teeth

placed once healing allows, using Yomi® robotic guidance for precision in compromised bone.

Special Dental Needs Cancer Patients
Long-term surveillance

semi-annual exams, imaging, and coordination with your oncology team.

Step-by-Step Care Path
Special Dental Needs Cancer Patients
Cancer-therapy consult

review oncology plan, imaging and oral history.

Special Dental Needs Cancer Patients
Preventive phase

fluoride trays, periodontal therapy, planned extractions if indicated.

Special Dental Needs Cancer Patients
Active-treatment support

medication protocols, hygiene modifications, emergency care for ulcers or infection

Special Dental Needs Cancer Patients
Rehabilitation

implants, grafts, or maxillofacial prosthetics to restore chewing, speech, and facial contours.

At-Home Tips
During Treatment

Rinse often with a warm solution of ¼ tsp baking soda + ¼ tsp salt in one cup of water.
Use an ultra-soft brush; if brushing hurts, sponge swabs with prescription rinses can help.
Keep lips moist with lanolin-based balm; sip water frequently or use sugar-free xylitol lozenges.

Quick Answers

Will fluoride trays really help?

Yes—daily neutral fluoride combats rampant decay common after radiation.

Can implants work in irradiated bone?

With careful planning, hyperbaric oxygen protocols when needed, and robotic guidance, implant success is high.

When should dental care start?

Ideally, 2-3 weeks before cancer therapy to complete any needed extractions or restorations.

Watch & Learn

shades-west
shades-west

Ready to Restore

Your Smile?

Reach our friendly team in seconds no phone tree, no hold music.
41-750 Rancho Las Palmas, Suite E-1, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

(760) 674-8881

info@luzar.com
Mon-Thu 8AM - 5PM
Friday by Appointment
© 2025. Christian J. Luzar D.M.D Maxillofacial Prosthodontist All Rights Reserved.
Isning Multimedia