Effect of Post-Implantation Radiation Therapy on Dental Implant Osseointegration in Oral Cancer Patients: a Systematic Review of Literature

Dental implant placement for functional rehabilitation after oral cancer surgery could be done either before or after radiation therapy (RT). In both of the above scenarios, radiation exposure could affect implant osseointegration and survival. The present review aimed to evaluate the effect of post-implantation RT on osseointegration of dental implants placed in patients treated for oral cancer. A literature search was conducted to identify studies published in English between 2001 and November 2023. Articles reporting about the success of dental implant osseointegration after post-implantation radiotherapy were selected. Data about overall success of osseointegration and with respect to the anatomic site (maxilla, mandible or grafted bone), radiation dose and time-interval between implant placement and radiation exposure were collected and analyzed. Out of 189 articles identified through literature search, 12 studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were systematically reviewed. In 403 patients, 1333 dental implants were placed prior to RT, out of which 1223 successfully osseointegrated (91.75%). The implant osseointegration rates in maxilla, mandible and grafted bone were 92.06% (255/277), 95.14% (313/329) and 80% (60/75), respectively. There was no relationship between radiation dose or time-interval and success of implant osseointegration. Based on the present review, it may be concluded that dental implants placed at least 1.5-3 months prior to RT, would successfully osseointegrate without major complications. The native maxilla and mandible are a favored choice for implant placement before radiotherapy, than grafted bone.