Dental Implant Rehabilitation in Patients Receiving Head and Neck Radiotherapy:
Clinical Outcomes, Site-Specific Dose, and Treatment Timing
Efsun Somay1*, Erkan Topkan2 and Ugur Selek3
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Baskent University, Ankara, Türkiye
2Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Adana, Türkiye
3Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Türkiye
*Corresponding Author: Efsun Somay, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial
Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Baskent University, Ankara, Türkiye.
Received:
October 08, 2026; Published: October 19, 2026
Dental implant rehabilitation can improve oral function and quality of life in patients treated for head and neck cancer. However,
reported implant outcomes vary considerably across studies because of differences in radiation exposure, anatomical location,
reconstruction methods, treatment sequencing, outcome definitions, and follow-up protocols. This narrative review synthesizes
current evidence regarding implant survival and clinical success, site-specific radiation dose, osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ),
and practical considerations for implant-based rehabilitation. Particular attention is given to distinguishing implant retention from
clinical and prosthetic success, recognizing that the mere presence of an implant does not necessarily indicate sustained functional
benefit. Assess radiation exposure at the intended implant site rather than inferring it from the prescribed tumor dose or whole-
jaw exposure. The 2024 ISOO-MASCC-ASCO guideline identifies jaw regions receiving at least 50 Gy as being at risk for ORNJ and
recommends avoiding implant placement in these regions when suitable alternatives exist. However, this recommendation should not
be interpreted as a universal threshold for implant failure. Implant placement before radiotherapy, during oncologic reconstruction,
and after radiotherapy represent distinct clinical scenarios that require consideration of treatment chronology, tissue condition, and
potential complications. When interpreting published outcomes, account for differences between implant-level and patient-level
measures, as well as definitions and timing of adverse events. Individualized multidisciplinary assessment remains essential for
balancing anticipated rehabilitation benefits against treatment-related risks.
Keywords: Dental Implant; Head and Neck Cancer; Radiotherapy; Osteoradionecrosis; Radiation Dose; Implant Survival; Competing
Risks; Oral Rehabilitation
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