Abstract
Objective: To analyze the dental health of head and neck cancer patients who received comprehensive dental care before and after radiation.
Method: Retrospective study of 282 head and neck cancer patients at a single VA hospital who were treated with radiation between 2000 and 2010 were identified. All patients received conventional radiation therapy (RT) or intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
Results: A complete dental evaluation was performed prior to radiation treatment, including periodontal probing, tooth profile, cavity check, and mobility. The treatment plan was formulated to eliminate current and potential dental disease, as well as prepare for future dental rehabilitation. The rates of dental extractions, infections, and caries were analyzed and comparison made between patients treated with IMRT and those treated with conventional RT. The number of posttreatment extractions has been reduced with advent of IMRT, and more so with a complete dental evaluation prior to treatment. The rate of caries was found to be less in patients treated with IMRT.
Conclusion: Head and neck cancer patients who had IMRT had significantly less radiation caries and more salivary flow and less requisite post-treatment extractions compared to those patients with conventional RT.
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