Needs of cancer patients following dental extraction and tooth loss
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Identifying the physical and psychosocial needs of people following multiple teeth loss as a consequence of treatment for head and neck cancer.
IRAS ID
240616
Contact name
Eilis McCaughan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ulster University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Having a tooth removed causes immediate distress but generally the emotional distress is transitory for the person. However, having multiple teeth extracted, will have a short-term distressing response followed by a significant long-term impact on daily living activities, including chewing food adequately, preferred food selection and speech. These factors, plus possible changes in facial appearance, can lead people to avoid social situations. For the patient diagnosed with cancer, this impact is compounded further as the patient will have to cope with the stress of having a life-threatening illness, multiple teeth removed, and will have to undergo treatment, which is often very arduous that will produce other challenging short and long-term adverse effects. This study is timely, given the increase in the number of younger patients diagnosed with human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck cancer (HNC); therefore, the impact of dental status on body image, personal and professional relationships, oral function and quality of life is likely to become a more prominent issue.
The aim of this study is to explore the physical and psychosocial needs of people living with multiple dental loss is required to inform clinicians when consenting patients for such procedures. Following informed consent, qualitative interviews will be conducted and recorded with patients who have experienced the loss of multiple teeth as part of their treatment for head and neck cancer. Data will be analysed, with themes developed. The findings will inform practice and policy regarding the potential for increased post-treatment dental rehabilitation. The information generated from this study will also assist in developing targeted supportive care interventions that can minimise body image disturbance and improve quality of life.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/EE/0106
Date of REC Opinion
4 Apr 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion