Risk factor analysis of dental implants in patients with irradiated head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND: We investigated dental implant outcomes in patients who had previously received radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck malignancies. METHODS: We reviewed 90 dental implants in 27 patients who received RT for head and neck cancer and received dental implants afterwards. The cumulative implant survival rate (CISR) was calculated. In addition, the implant quality was assessed using “Health Scale for Dental Implants.” RESULTS: The CISR at 3 years was 79.6%. The mean radiation dose at the implant site (D (mean)) was identified as an independent prognostic factor for implant survival. No implant failed if D (mean) was less than 38 Gy. Regarding implant quality, dental implants in grafted bone and D (mean) were independent risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: D (mean) was identified as an independent prognostic factor for implant survival and quality. Dental implants can be safely considered when D (mean) is lower than 38 Gy.