Radiotherapy for head and neck neoplasms.

The use of radiotherapy has proven to be an effective technique in the control and cure of head and neck neoplastic disease. Unfortunately, radiotherapy also has a significant negative impact on the oral health of patients and the dental care they require. For dental professionals to be valuable members of the oncology treatment team, they must have a sound understanding of the dental needs and proper treatment of these patients. As background information, a brief overview of ionizing radiation and its effect on mammalian tissue is presented. In addition, the oral complications of ionizing radiation are reviewed, and prevention and treatment protocols discussed.