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Oral care of patients irradiated for cancer of the head and neck

Close cooperation between physician, dentist, and patient is essential when considering oral care of patients irradiated for cancer of the head and neck. Frequent dental examination, topical fluoride application, and meticulous oral hygiene at home can prevent loss of the teeth. Xerostomia, following radiation therapy, seems to be the major factor in decay development. Silver amalgam is at present the most practical material in restoring the cervical dental lesions seen most often after irradiation. Dental prostheses require frequent checks to eliminate irradiation and pressure which may precipitate osteoradionecrosis. Extractions after radiation therapy can be performed with a reasonable degree of safety, if done with little trauma and under antibiotic coverage. A prophylactic approach to the problem of radiation decay and periodontal breakdown keeps oral complications within controllable limits.