Influence of prosthetic rehabilitation on salivary flow, pH, and comfort sensation in patients treated for head and neck cancer

Purpose This study aims to determine whether prosthetic rehabilitation affects salivary flow, pH, and comfort in patients treated for head and neck cancer (HNC) and to assess potential differences between irradiated and non‐irradiated patients. Materials and Methods This pilot clinical study focused on patients treated for HNC who require prosthetic rehabilitation. Participants were divided into two groups: irradiated and non‐irradiated. Stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow, pH, and perceived comfort sensation were assessed at three time points: T0 (prior to prosthesis placement), T1 (1 month after prosthesis placement), and T6 (6 months after prosthesis placement). Outcomes were compared between the two groups across all time points. Results Significant differences were observed in unstimulated salivary flow between T0 and T6, while stimulated salivary flow showed significant differences between T0 and T1, T0 and T6, and T1 and T6. No significant differences were found in salivary pH or perceived comfort. However, 85% of participants reported greater comfort 6 months after prosthetic rehabilitation. Both irradiated and non‐irradiated patients demonstrated improvements in salivary flow and perceived oral comfort, although no significant differences were observed between groups. A significant change in pH was detected only in the non‐irradiated group. Conclusions The study demonstrated a significant increase in both unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow, with no significant differences between groups. Salivary pH increased significantly in the non‐irradiated group compared to the irradiated one. Both groups reported improvements in perceived comfort, although no significant differences were observed between T1 and T6.