Feeding obturators and orthopedic appliances for infants. Many require sedation or general anesthesia to accomplish their dental treatment, the availability of which is limited in the Southwestern area of Virginia, particularly among indigent populations. The Department of Dentistry participates in the Head and Neck Cancer Tumor Board. Interim care has also consisted of treatment for stomatitis, mucositis, difficulty with deglutition or speech and appropriate diet instruction. Many chronic facial pains can be attributed to abnormalities within the TM joint or the muscles of mastication.
Some problems are neurogenic, psychogenic or the result of pain referral.
The diagnostic challenge that chronic pain patients present has often resulted in the patient seeking care by many different specialties over extended periods of time. Unfortunately, desperate patients are often subjected to unscientific treatments in hope of getting some resolution of their symptoms. We utilize accepted, conservative modalities and procedures. Most of these patients are currently on maintenance recall dental status. Treatment often consists of a recall exam, prophy, fluoride treatment restoration of carious teeth.