title: A practical guide for patients undergoing exodontia following radiotherapy to the oral cavity.
abstract: Dental extractions or minor oral surgery in patients who have undergone radiation therapy for cancer in the head and neck carry the risk of one of the most serious and devastating complications of head and neck radiotherapy, that of osteoradionecrosis (ORN). A totally unified approach to dental extractions following radiotherapy is lacking. The role of the general dental practitioner in management of patients following radiotherapy is crucial. Contrary to clinical impression, the risk of ORN does not decrease with time. When contemplating exodontia or minor oral surgery in the irradiated patient, special consideration should be given to issues such as radiotherapy history, surgical assessment, surgical procedure and the role of antibiotics and hyperbaric oxygen.
authors.affiliation: Liverpool University Dental Hospital.
authors.forename: A N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Kanatas
authors.forename: S N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Rogers
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D016371:Cranial Irradiation / Q000009:adverse effects; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill / Q000379:methods*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D007571:Jaw Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D010025:Osteoradionecrosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000528:radiation effects