The head and neck radiotherapy patient: Part 2--Management of oral complications

As the incidence of head and neck cancer increases and the use of high-dose radiation treatment rises, the dentist will be called on to treat a wide variety of radiation-induced oral maladies. Treatment planning for radiotherapy patients begins immediately after tumor diagnosis and is directed first and foremost toward prevention of oral complications. In the event such complications occur, the dentist must be familiar with available treatment regimens for managing these conditions and preventing future deterioration in oral health.