Osteoradionecrosis

Radiation to the head and neck is a valuable treatment modality in the management of cancer. Unfortunately like any treatment it has side effects. A feared complication when a person has received radiation therapy to the jaws is osteoradionecrosis. This can occur anytime after a person receives radiation to the jaws and it is important to know the risk of developing this condition increases with time after receiving the radiation. Usually osteoradionecrosis is precipitated by having a dental extraction or procedure on the jaws but it can occur seemingly spontaneously. If the condition develops its severity can range from mild to severe. It may resolve or be progressive and destructive. The prevention and management of this condition is contentious. Our surgeons at the Oral Cancer Institute frequently treat people who have had radiation to the jaws and keep up to date with the latest research in the prevention and management of this condition. If you are at risk of or have developed osteoradionecrosis please contact us to make an appointment to discuss with our surgeons.