Dental Implant Success In Irradiated Jaws : A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Head and neck cancer patients (HNCPs) usually need serious oro/dental constructive support after the cancer therapy. Although radiation -especially in curative doses- has a negative influence on osseointegration, dental implants are trustful partners in dental rehabilitation of these patients for many years. Objectives:Our aim here to present the success of dental implants even in high radiation doses (>50 Gy) of HNCPs.Methods:The data of HNCPs who were referred to oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic from 2011-2017 were reviewed for inclusion criteriau2019s: 1. Receiving total dose of radiotherapy >50Gy, 2. Performed dental implant surgery by the author, 3. Prosthetic rehabilitation was completed at least 6 months ago. The criteria were fulfilled by 53 patients (19 female, 34 male) with the mean age of 54.03. The success and complications of dental implants were evaluated.Results: Mean follow up time was 32 months. 176 implants were inserted, and long-term success rate was calculated as 94,9%. In total 9 implants were lost. Only 2 cases of osteoradionecrosis were evident with successful recovery in 4-10 months.Conclusion: 1.The osseointegrated implant supported dental rehabilitation should be considered as reliable partners in dental rehabilitation of HNCPs. Under the special precautions, they are successful even in high doses of radiation.2.Today, oral and maxillofacial surgeon and prosthodontists are inseperable part of oncology team with a positive impact to head and neck cancer patientsu2019 quality of life.