What Researchers Did
Researchers evaluated the survival rates of 53 dental implants placed in 17 patients who had undergone oral cancer resection and subsequent prosthetic rehabilitation, including some who received radiotherapy.
What They Found
Out of 53 implants placed in 17 patients, 4 implants were lost over an observation period of up to 7 years, all occurring in the mandibles of patients who received radiotherapy. The cumulative survival rates for the implants were 93% at 2 years, and 90% at both 3 and 5 years, with no technical failures of the prostheses.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This study suggests that dental implants can be a viable option for Canadian patients who have undergone oral cancer resection, even those who received radiotherapy. While implant survival may be slightly lower than in standard conditions, they can still provide stable support for prostheses, potentially improving quality of life after cancer treatment.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was conducted outside of Canada.
Study Limitations
The study's findings are limited by its small sample size of 17 patients and its observational design.