Dental Implant Outcomes after Radiotherapy for Head-and-neck Cancer: Impact of Radiation Dose, Timing, and Clinical Risk Factors

A BSTRACT Head-and-neck cancer is a major global health challenge, and radiotherapy plays an essential role in its management. However, radiation-induced impairment of bone healing and the risk of osteoradionecrosis raise concerns regarding dental implant placement after treatment. This review summarizes current evidence on implant survival in patients who have undergone radiotherapy for head-and-neck cancer. Available studies indicate that implant survival is reduced in irradiated bone compared with non-irradiated bone, with a clear dose-dependent effect. Higher radiation dose, grafted bone, unfavorable implant location, and shorter intervals between radiotherapy and implantation are associated with increased failure risk. Careful patient selection, individualized treatment planning, and multidisciplinary collaboration are therefore required to ensure safe and effective implant rehabilitation in irradiated patients.