Management of Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy in Conservative Dentistry

The rising number of new cancer cases means that dentists are increasingly treating patients undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. Certain chemotherapy drugs can cause side effects in the oral cavity, which may significantly impair patients' quality of life. Indeed, chemotherapy can have oral and dental repercussions with varied clinical manifestations. Their frequency and severity may depend on the treatment protocols used, the duration of treatment, any combination with radiation therapy, and the condition of the oral cavity before the start of treatment. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the current evidence and international recommendations regarding the prevention and management of oral complications associated with chemotherapy, with a particular focus on conservative dentistry and endodontic treatment before, during, and after chemotherapy. Dentists therefore play a vital role in the multidisciplinary management of these patients. A thorough understanding of the risks associated with chemotherapy enables the implementation of preventive measures and appropriate conservative and endodontic treatment before, during, and after anticancer therapy, thereby reducing oral complications and improving patients' quality of life.