Dental Care for Cancer Patients

When battling cancer, patients may develop oral problems as a complication. This can result in a dwindling spiral of health issues, as these oral problems can have a negative effect on the cancer treatment itself.

Holistic Dental Care for Cancer Patients

Dr. Chow, a well-known practicing holistic dentist, takes preventive and effective measures to help with dental care for cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment to help keep their oral health boosted and maintained. When searching for a top-notch holistic dentist, Thousand Oaks is the destination where you will find Dr. Chow and ModelSmile Dentistry.

Dr. Chow and the entire staff at ModelSmile Dentistry practice special protocols when a patient is being treated for cancer. We know that maintaining oral health is extremely important during this critical time, as compromised immune systems can trigger other physical complications. We always check for any unusual oral conditions, including oral cancer, in order to detect and handle them as soon as possible.

Cancer Therapy and Possible Oral Complications

Patients who are undergoing radiation treatment to the head or neck can experience an increase in complications with their oral health. Chemotherapy can also lower a patient's immune system, exposing the patient to non-optimum oral difficulties, such as gum disease. Some complications include:

Often patients undergoing cancer treatment may have nutritional issues due to lack of appetite. Poor nutrition has an ever-widening detrimental effect on the whole body, including the mouth.
Infections caused by viral, bacterial and fungal agents, resulting from radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Reduced saliva flow resulting in dry mouth. This can lead to increased chances of dental decay, mouth infections or sores, and trouble with eating, swallowing or talking.

Aggressive cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, is toxic to both normal cells and cancer cells. This means that the healthy cells in the mouth can be compromised with cancer treatment. In addition, fungi and bacteria naturally exist in the body, including the mouth, but when the immune system is lowered, these elements can quickly become more hostile rather than helpful.

Dental Treatment Before Cancer Treatment

Dr. Chow in Thousand Oaks can be instrumental in helping you if you are anticipating having cancer treatment. It's crucial that your oral health be at its most optimum, because cancer treatment can produce unpleasant or dangerous oral side effects. These become more susceptible or worsen when your oral health is substandard at the time you start cancer treatment.

If you will be undertaking cancer treatment in the near future, Dr. Chow can perform a thorough oral examination prior to starting. If any dental treatment is necessary, he will coordinate with you and your doctor. It may be possible to complete the dental treatment before starting any cancer treatment. This will greatly boost your oral health and provide a strengthened defense against a weakened immune system.

Real Patient Reviews

I had been wanting to find a holistic dentist for quite a while, so I did a bit of research and found Dr. Chow. I don’t usually like going to the dentist, but today changed that. Dr. Chow and his entire team are outstanding. His office is beautiful, clean, and the ambiance is calm and relaxing. My appointment was scheduled at 7:30 a.m., and I was escorted back to the dental chair at 7:29 a.m. They were kind enough to provide me with an early appointment so I could get to work on time. I had full X-rays and a cleaning by their amazing hygienist, who took her time explaining exactly what she was doing and what she was seeing throughout the procedure. She was pleasant to interact with and even massaged my gums as part of the cleaning. Dr. Chow then completed an extensive dental exam. He was extremely thorough and attentive to my concerns. He discovered four cavities that a previous dentist had missed. We also decided to perform a CT scan to ensure there was no hidden oral disease where previous root canals had been performed. I’m thrilled that I found Dr. Chow and his incredible team. I can’t wait for my daughters to see him as well. If you’re looking for an outstanding dentist who goes above and beyond in every way, Dr. Chow is your guy.

J.L.

I was able to get squeezed in for a very challenging emergency tooth extraction due to a horrible infection. The entire staff was personable, and Dr. Chow took his time caring for my tooth. I was really sick from the infection, and I’m grateful for the care I received.

A.J.

Dr. Chow is a true craftsman in his profession, and I would not hesitate to recommend him. He deserves all the five-star reviews posted about him. For 12 years, I suffered from infections affecting my sinuses and stomach and could not permanently heal them. Finally, a dentist discovered I had an infected cavitation in my lower left jaw that had gone undetected for more than 30 years. I had one opportunity to fix this issue and selected Dr. Chow because he was one of the few dentists with the expertise to properly address my condition. I also felt his fees were reasonable for the level of care required. It took about nine weeks after surgery for my body to adjust to not being sick all the time. Since then, I’ve experienced a dramatic resurgence in health that I had not felt in years. At 70 years old, I’m back in the gym three times a week, practicing yoga at home, and enjoying full productive days again. I truly feel like I have my life back. My wife, employees, and seven grandchildren thank you as well. Fantastic job by Dr. Chow.

D.S.

After more than 20 years of struggling with chronic illness, I was led down a path that ultimately brought me to Dr. Chow. I decided to remove four root canals and all remaining metal fillings that were contributing to severe health concerns for me. What initially felt like a desperate last effort has turned into a journey of healing and hope. I have undergone two six-hour surgeries with Dr. Chow, with more treatment still ahead, and I have never felt more safe or cared for by a medical professional. The staff feels like family — warm, familiar faces that make me feel genuinely seen and supported. Dr. Chow’s passion for holistic medicine brings a unique perspective to treatment. He understands the connection between oral health and whole-body wellness. Following my procedures, he has continued supportive care with ozone therapy to help address lingering infections and inflammation. His care has played a major role in my recovery and renewed sense of hope. Choosing Dr. Chow was one of the best healthcare decisions I’ve ever made.

T.E.

Dental Treatment During Cancer Treatment

It may be necessary to receive dental treatment while undergoing cancer therapy. Dr. Chow will be in communication with your oncologist to coordinate any dental care. If you are receiving radiation or chemotherapy, he will synchronize any needed dental work, especially with regard to any oral surgery or other invasive procedure. If Dr. Chow recommends antibiotics or other medication, this would be discussed with your oncologist first. It may be that certain procedures will need to be postponed until after your cancer treatment is completed.

Dental Treatment After Cancer Treatment

Any dental care received after cancer treatment would be coordinated with your oncologist, as would any dentistry before or during cancer treatment. Dr. Chow would check your hematologic status to be sure it's normal as well as any other condition that would affect dental treatment.

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Compassionate and Effective Dental Care

Rest assured that Dr. Chow and the entire staff take great care of all their patients, especially those undergoing cancer treatment. In addition to any pre-treatment oral care he is able to perform, we also instruct these patients in the various practices they need to carry out at home to keep their oral health at a high level.

As always, you can expect a very caring, compassionate and professional dental team in a calm and soothing environment when you come to ModelSmile Dentistry. You will experience comfort, understanding and gentle treatment. We know that these factors go hand in hand with creating a healthy and mindful defense against the possible negative side effects of cancer treatment. This is only a part of what makes Dr. Albert Chow in Thousand Oaks one of the best dentist to help perform dental care for cancer patients. You are in competent and caring hands at ModelSmile Dentistry.

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