[Periodontal and caries prevention in patients with open maxillary defects following tumor surgery]

Patients with jaw defects resulting from tumors often have partially edentulous dentitions, because of the tumor surgery and, in most cases, advanced age. This dentition, however, can be preserved for many years and utilized in prosthodontic treatment if the principles of caries and periodontal prevention are carefully observed throughout therapy. Premature loss of teeth can only be avoided, if the prosthodontist sees the patient before surgery and before irradiation, so that the necessary measures can be taken in time.