What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a systematic review to compare the success, morbidity, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness of dental implant treatment with and without hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy in irradiated patients.
What They Found
They identified only one randomized controlled trial involving 26 patients, which found no statistically significant differences in prosthesis or implant failure, complications, or patient satisfaction between HBO and no HBO groups. This single trial had a high risk of bias, leading to no strong evidence to support or refute HBO therapy.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients considering dental implants after radiotherapy should be aware of the very limited evidence regarding the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Clinicians should provide comprehensive information about potential benefits and harms to facilitate informed consent.
Canadian Relevance
This systematic review did not include any studies or data specifically from Canada, therefore it has no direct Canadian relevance.
Study Limitations
The primary limitation is the extremely limited evidence base, as only one small, high-risk-of-bias randomized controlled trial was identified.