Preradiation dental extractions and the incidence of bone necrosis

Studies were done with 120 patients submitting to preradiation dental extraction within the radiation treatment volume. Bone necroses developed at the extraction sites in 17 patients (14.1%). The risk of bone necrosis in these patients is primarily dependent upon the size of the radiation treatment volume, radiation dose to mandibular bone, and healing time for the extraction wounds. Of the 13 mandibular bone necroses occurring at preradiation extraction sites, only two have not responded favorably to conservative management. Our data indicates that a policy of selected tooth removal, before radiation treatment, will minimize the risk of osteoradionecrosis. Mandibular molars with advanced chronic periodontal bone loss, residing within the proposed radiation field should be considered for removal before commencement of radiation treatment.