Lower protocol in patient submitted to radiotherapy: Case report

Daniela Colet, Claudio do Nascimento Fleig, Greison Rabelo de Oliveira, Hilário Anderson Huber, Luiz Alberto Formighieri

Introduction: Combining surgery and radiotherapy is common to treat malignant tumors of the head and neck. Such procedure establishes tissue alterations that result in fragile mucosa, xerostomia, improper anatomical shape and myodynamic disorders, which hinders patient’s oral function and rehabilitation. Placement of implant-supported prosthesis proves useful for rehabilitation of those patients. Objective: The present study reports a case of a patient subjected to high doses of radiotherapy after surgical removal of a malignant tumor located on the floor of the mouth. Methods: Six implants were installed in the anterior region of the mandible and a prosthesis was fabricated according to Brånemark’s protocol. Conclusion: It is reasonable to conclude that osseointegrated implants can be safely employed, provided that special care be taken with regard to the adverse effects produced by resection and radiotherapy. Improvements in mastication, speech and esthetics promote patient’s social reintegration, thus minimizing discomfort and suffering, in addition to optimizing therapeutic results and quality of life.

Keywords: Dental implants. Osseointegration. Radiotherapy.

How to cite: Colet D, Fleig CN, Oliveira GR, Huber HA, Formighieri LA. Inferior protocol in patient submitted to radiotherapy: Case report. Dental Press Implantol. 2013 July-Sept;7(3):52-60.

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