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Osteoradionecrosis risk — NDEB AFK MCQ

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HardOral SurgeryOsteoradionecrosis riskNDEB AFK

A 59-year-old received 66 Gy radiotherapy to the mandible for oropharyngeal cancer two years ago. Tooth 4.7 is non-restorable but asymptomatic. What is the most important consideration?

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Correct answer: E — Risk of osteoradionecrosis after extraction

High-dose mandibular radiotherapy creates lifelong concern for osteoradionecrosis, especially after extraction in the irradiated field. Antibiotics alone do not eliminate this risk or replace specialist planning. The pearl is to consider radiation dose, field, timing, dental infection, and specialist oral surgery input before invasive treatment.

Reference: Canadian oral medicine/oral surgery references; NDEB KSAs 2024