Rehabilitation of a Head and Neck Cancer Survivor With a Functionally and Biomechanically Challenged Dentition

Radiation therapy for patients with head and neck cancer can have damaging effects on oral health, including reduced salivary flow. In this case report, a 58-year-old patient had previously undergone radiation therapy for stage II squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. Symptoms of xerostomia persisted, and her dentition suffered as a result. Problems included moderate to severe loss of tooth structure; erosive pitting lesions on the cusp tips of posterior teeth; and attrition throughout her dentition, particularly in the anterior. To achieve the esthetic, functional, and biomechanical goals of the case, treatment involved the use of both full-coverage, cohesively retained restorations and feldspathic veneers, depending on the amount of adequate enamel available for adhesion, along with limited orthodontic therapy. Additionally, the patient was instructed on how to stimulate salivary flow post-treatment.