Head/Neck Radiation Patients Head and neck radiation patients
are a significant challenge relative to both intratherapy and
posttherapy oral complications resulting from radiation therapy.
Unlike the oral complications of chemotherapy that are of
shorter duration and significant for only a short period (a few
weeks to 2 months) after the cessation of therapy, the oral
complications of head and neck radiation are more predictable,
are often more severe, and can lead to permanent tissue changes
that put the patient at risk for serious chronic
complications.Preradiation Dental Evaluation and Oral Disease
Stabilization Elimination of oral disease and implementation of
oral care protocols designed to maintain maximum oral health
must be components of patient assessment and care before
radiation therapy begins. During and after radiation therapy,
oral management will be dictated by the following: - Specific
needs of the patient. - Specifics of the radiation therapy. -
Chronic complications caused by radiation thera