William Carl

Management of oral mucositis during local radiation and systemic chemotherapy: A study of 98 patients

Oral mucositis is among the complications of head and neck irradiation and systemic chemotherapy. To determine whether or not mucositis could be prevented or reduced in intensity by using Kamillosan Liquidum as an oral rinse, 98 patients were placed on study protocols. Twenty patients who were treated with radiation therapy and 46 patients who received systemic chemotherapy participated in prophylactic oral care with Kamillosan oral rinse. Thirty-two patients were treated therapeutically after mucositis had developed. Sixteen patients receiving chemotherapy were treated therapeutically and prophylactically with Kamillosan oral rinse during repeated cycles of chemotherapy. Only one of the 20 patients who had had radiation therapy developed grade 3 mucositis in the final week of treatment. Thirty-six of the 46 patients undergoing chemotherapy did not develop clinically noticeable mucositis. It appears that resolution of mucositis is accelerated by Kamillosan rinse. Prophylactic oral care appeared to modify the oral environment favorably and maintain tissue integrity.

Hollow silicone obturators for patients after total maxillectomy

One technical approach for the treatment of a patient after complete removal of the hard palate and other supportive structures has been presented. This technique offers a means of obtaining a detailed impression of the defect and promptly provides the patient with a lightweight and flexible tissue-tolerant obturator. The patient can ultimately be provided with a hollow dental prosthesis attached to a removable hollow obturator.

Preoperative and immediate postoperative obturators

The prostheses described evolve from preoperative to immediate to transitional, and the distinction between them is not clearly defined. How long the temporary stage should be maintained depends upon the rapidity of healing of the defect and the judgment of the prosthodontist. Usually, healing is complete 3 to 6 months following surgery, and a definitive obturator may then be constructed. Construction, modification, and insertion of preoperative and immediate postoperative obturators for patients after partial and total maxillectomies were discussed. The purpose of an immediate obturator is to shorten the recovery period of the patient and restore speech, deglutition, and appearance as soon as possible after surgery.

Dental complications in the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma of the oral cavity in children.

Abstract Rhabdomyosarcoma, a muscle tissue tumor, is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma of childhood. Recurrence is a prominent feature. Metastases spread via blood and lymph routes. Treatment of this tumor usually involves a combination of surgery, irradiation, and chemotherapy. Management of rhabdomyosarcoma in or around the oral cavity may lead to severe oral and dental complications. The oral stoma in children is small to begin with, scar tissue after surgery produces trismus, and the side effects of radiation make the dentition very prone to decay. Oral hygiene and dental maintenance are very difficult under these conditions. Cooperation between physician and dentist in planning and treatment is very important in these cases in order to minimize posttherapy complications.

Radiation docking device

Abstract A radiation docking device constructed of cold-curing acrylic is described. The purpose of it is (1) to provide a means for returning the cone of the radiation machine to the same position and direction, (2) to maintain maximum opening during treatment, and (3) to keep buccal tissue from the field of radiation.