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A Clinical Study Determining Pulp Vitality in Oropharyngeal Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy Using Diagnostic
Shilpi R Daveshwar1, Sonali V Kapoor2, Meena R Daveshwar3
1Department of Dentistry, Gmers Medical College & Hospital, Himmatnagar, Gujarat, India.
Current Health Sciences Journal
|July 2, 2021
Summary
Radiotherapy for oropharyngeal cancer significantly reduces dental pulp vitality, measured by pulse oximetry. Pulp vitality, indicated by SpO2 levels, shows a statistically significant reduction after radiotherapy but recovers six months later.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Oncology
- Dental Research
Background:
- Radiotherapy is a common treatment for oropharyngeal cancer.
- Radiotherapy can adversely affect dental pulp vitality.
- Pulse oximetry is a tool for assessing pulp vitality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate dental pulp vitality in oropharyngeal cancer patients before, during, and after radiotherapy.
- To assess the impact of radiotherapy on pulp vitality using pulse oximetry.
- To determine if pulp vitality recovers post-radiotherapy.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 25 oropharyngeal cancer patients with intact crowns.
- Pulp vitality assessed using pulse oximetry at three time points: before radiotherapy (PV1), immediately after (PV2), and six months post-radiotherapy (PV3).
- Statistical analysis using paired t-test to compare SpO2 values.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant reduction in mean SpO2 values was observed immediately after radiotherapy (PV2) compared to baseline (PV1).
- Significant differences in SpO2 levels were found between all three assessment points (PV1, PV2, PV3).
- A statistically significant increase in mean SpO2 values was noted six months after radiotherapy (PV3), indicating recovery.
Conclusions:
- Radiotherapy causes a significant, measurable decrease in dental pulp vitality.
- Dental pulp vitality shows a trend toward recovery six months after the completion of radiotherapy.
- Pulse oximetry is a reliable method for monitoring pulp vitality changes during cancer treatment.
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