Rehabilitation of head and neck cancer patients: aspects determining implant placement
Rehabilitation of head and neck cancer patients: aspects determining implant placement
Implant placement for the retention of a prosthesis has proven to be a valuable treatment option in the rehabilitation of patients treated for head and neck cancer (Chapter 1). Implants for intraoral prostheses can be placed in the upper and lower jaw. The most common locations for craniofacial prostheses are the temporal bone (mastoid), the orbital rim, and the nasal floor. Implants can be placed during ablative surgery (primary placement) or after completion of oncological treatment (secondary placement). The general aim of this thesis was to gain insight into factors that may determine the rehabilitation of head and neck oncology patients with implant-supported prostheses.
Based on the chapters in this thesis the following conclusions can be drawn:
• Patients with a tumour in the oral cavity can greatly benefit from primary placed implants in the lower jaw. This treatment option should be routinely offered to patients who are edentulous or will become edentulous in the lower jaw.
• Early involvement of the maxillofacial prosthodontist is crucial to guarantee the prosthetic and prosthodontic rehabilitation of head and neck cancer patients.
• Implants for the retention of a craniofacial prosthesis are a reliable treatment option, also on the long term.
• IMPT reduces the radiation dose to the tooth-bearing regions in the upper and lower jaw.
• Primary placed implants in the lower jaw which receive an implant-specific radiation dose of >50 Gy after placement are more at risk for implant loss.