Tooth loss prior to radiation in relation to tumor location in patients with head and neck cancer

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of preradiation tooth loss in patients with head and neck cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of 397 (partially) dentate patients who were referred for preradiation oral screening were included. Number and location of teeth lost and occluding pairs lost were determined for different tumor locations.

RESULTS: The majority of patients (54%) were affected by tooth loss. Proportion of teeth lost, their location, and proportion of occluding pairs lost were not evenly distributed across tumor locations. The highest proportions of teeth were removed with oral tumors (maxilla: 25%; mandible: 47%). For preradiation preventive extractions only, ie, not taking into account teeth that were lost due to ablative surgery, tooth loss in the mandible was still not evenly distributed across tumor locations, but tooth loss in the maxilla and occluding pairs lost were.

CONCLUSIONS: Tumor location affects preradiation tooth loss, though this is primarily a consequence of ablative surgery rather than a consequence of preradiation dental extraction decisions. Since patients with oral cavity tumors are affected most by preradiation tooth loss, treatment planning with regard to functional rehabilitation is desirable for this patient group in particular.