How do you counsel patients regarding timing of dentures after definitive/post-operative H&N radiation with pre-treament tooth extractions?
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
Wait for at least 3 months for acute healing and for the first post-tx scans to be NED. After that, there can still be subacute changes over the next 6-12 months (post extraction bone resorption, post radiation fibrosis, etc) that would lead a prematurely fabricated denture to lose appropriate fit. ...
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
Until the patient stops losing weight, it is too soon to send for denture fittings.
That could be 3-6 months depending on the course of treatment and the patient.
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
I generally recommended hard no on dentures for 6 months due to the risk of requiring re-fitting, and sometimes request a year if amenable to the patient. Also depends on the amount of that region that was radiated and whether it is a complete denture vs partial denture.
This is even if a patient's...