[Needs for implant therapy in cancer patients; a retrospective study]

After cancer treatment in the head and neck area, mastication and speech are often affected. Some of the problems encountered can be solved by adequate dental rehabilitation. However, dental rehabilitation is often compromised, for various reasons. The change in anatomy due to surgery often results in lack of denture bearing mucosa. The effects of radiotherapy of the salivary glands and the mucosa result in dry oral tissues and diminished retention of removable dentures. Osseointegrated implants can help to solve these problems. Implant treatment has, so far, not been widely used in cancer patients. An analysis was made of 95 consecutive patients with a tumor in the head and neck area. The indication for treatment with osseointegrated implants was reviewed and the need for implants as experienced bij patients was evaluated. Results show that 45% did not need specific prosthetic rehabilitation, and approximately 25% of the patients could benefit from osseointegrated implants. Due to general and local contra-indications and patients' refusal, only 3% actually have been treated. For complete oral rehabilitation of this group of patients the use of osseointegrated implants should be considered at an early stage, before the initial tumor treatment.