Outcomes of dental and craniofacial osseointegrated implantation in head and neck cancer patients

BACKGROUND: Treatment of head and neck cancer may result in disfiguring and debilitating anatomical changes. Osseointegrated implants may be used in these patients to facilitate attachment of implant-retained dentures or cosmetic prostheses. METHODS: A retrospective audit was performed, reviewing the treatment of patients who received dental or craniofacial osseointegrated implants during treatment of head and neck cancer. RESULTS: One hundred sixty implants were inserted in 54 patients with oral, nasal, orbital, or auricular defects. Overall, 85% of implants were successful after mean follow-up of 25.7 months. The brand of implant used was shown to impart a statistically significant implant survival difference, and orbital implants had poorer survival compared to nonorbital implants. There was a statistical insignificant implant survival advantage in both nonsmokers and patients who did not undergo radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Dental and craniofacial osseointegrated implants may be reliably used in patients with head and neck cancer. However, further research is required to clarify the role of smoking in osseointegrated implant failure.