You can treat the chemotherapy patient

Increased numbers of cancer patients are treated with chemotherapy. Patients who receive antineoplastic agents can be at serious risk from dental infections and should be provided appropriate dental care. In many instances, indicated treatment can be accomplished by the patient's private dentist. Certain precautions, however, are necessary when treating dental patients medically compromised by chemotherapy. Dental conditions which may increase morbidity are identified and treatment recommendations are made. Guidelines for dental intervention before, during, and after chemotherapy are discussed with emphasis on the hematologic parameters necessary for safe dental care. The cyclic relationship between chemotherapy and oral complications is also reviewed.