IADR Abstract Archives

Audit of H&N cancer patients comparing referral patterns and dental extractions

Aim of study was to audit referral patterns and dental extractions completed pre-radiation in patients with head and neck cancer. Radiotherapy to the head and neck can cause dry mouth often resulting in severe dental caries. Dental extractions following radiation therapy are associated with an increased risk of osteo-radionecrosis (ORN).

Methods: Dental records of patients seen on the Dental Oncology assessment clinic, DDUH in 2007 and 2012 were reviewed and compared.

Results:

	2007	2012		2007	2012
Number of subjects	93	202	Patients needing extraction	59%	70%
Gender	58m/ 35f	144m/ 58f	Most common number of extractions per subject	4	4
Age	58	61	Extractions on date of assessment	40%	19%
Referral to appointment within 14 days	91%	96%	Extractions in DDUH	70%	87%

Discussion: Due to the nature of H&N cancer, necessary extractions must be completed without delay. The risk of ORN in this patient group is minimised by adhering to RCSE Guidelines, to ensure that dental extractions are carried out a minimum of 3 weeks prior to commencing radiotherapy and ideally review following extractions to ensure healing. Numbers increased between 2007/12 and assessment time improved. The same average number of extractions were planned in 2007/12 but the number of patients requiring extractions increased. More extractions were completed in DDUH in 2012, but fewer extractions were completed on the day of assessment in 2012.

Conclusion: There are increased numbers of patients in DDUH in 2012. The scheduling of pre radiotherapy extractions is delayed in 2012.

Keywords:

Cancer, preradiation, assessment, extractions, ORN

Division: Irish Division Meeting
Meeting: 2013 Irish Division Meeting (Cork, Ireland)
Location: Cork, Ireland
Year: 2013
Final Presentation ID: 50
Abstract Category|Abstract Category(s): 2013 Abstracts

Authors

Maccarthy D,

Carty O,

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Oral and Poster Presentations