Open AccessDental Health of Patients Receiving Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy vs Conventional Radiation Therapy
Author(s) -
Duarte Victor M.,
Tajima Tracey,
Nabili Vishad,
Wang Marilene B.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599812451426a91
Subject(s) - medicine , radiation therapy , head and neck cancer , head and neck , oral cavity , cancer , dentistry , nuclear medicine , radiology , surgery
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.