Imaging Sci Dent.  2021 Sep;51(3):323-328. 10.5624/isd.20200333.

Radiographic analysis of the management of tooth extractions in head and neck-irradiated patients: a case series

• Oliveira SV
• Vellei RS
• Heguedusch D
• Domaneschi C
• Costa C
• Barros Gallo Cd

• KMID: 2527067
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.20200333

Abstract

Tooth extraction after head and neck radiotherapy exposes patients to an increased risk for osteoradionecrosis of the jaw. This study reports the results of a radiographic analysis of bone neoformation after tooth extraction in a case series of patients who underwent radiation therapy. No patients developed osteoradionecrosis within a follow-up of 1 year. Complete mucosal repair was observed 30 days after surgery, while no sign of bone formation was observed 2 months after the dental extractions. Pixel intensity and fractal dimension image analyses only showed significant bone formation 12 months after the tooth extractions. These surgical procedures must follow a strict protocol that includes antibiotic prophylaxis and therapy and complete wound closure, since bone formation at the alveolar socket occurs at a slower pace in patients who have undergone head and neck radiotherapy.

Keyword

Radiography; Dental; Radiotherapy; Tooth Extraction; Osteoradionecrosis