Implants in ‘Irradiated Bone
Ca~cer patients frequentiy suffe~’ from surgery- and irradtatton-assoclated soft and hard tissue defects that signlficaritly compromise conventional prosthodontlc rehabilitation. “An implant-supported prosthesis’ could improve function and esthetics: however, concern regarding the compromised wound healing that results after .turnoricidal irradiation to the jaw~ has contraindlcated even minor surgery and Implant placement in these patients. It new appears that it may be possible.to place irriplants in this ‘group of patients. Careful soft tissue himdling and perioperative hyperbaric oxygen’treatments. have been used for patients receiving; implants in Irtadi
,with loss of interarch space. Inadequate room for implants above the inferior alveolar
nerve and no room for a graft isJound. 8, The inferior alveolar nerve is positioned buccally to
allow implants to be placed. C, postoperative panoramic radiograph shows implants of ade-
.quate length extending to the.inferior border,
of two conventional implants illthe anterior maxHla, will allow
. fabrication of an implant-supported maxillary denture without the·
need for sinus lift
ated tissue, with results comparable to thai: found in non rradiated patients. Little is known about the long-termresults in thes patients, and potential for increased faiure and serious sequelae (e.g., osteoradionecrosis) still
exists. Asa result, an experienced implant surgeon shouldmanage implant placement in this group of patients.
