Osseointegrated implant rehabilitation of the previously irradiated mandible: results of a limited trial at 3 to 7 years.

The use of osseointegrated dental implants in patients with defects of the head and neck acquired as a result of ablative surgery for malignancy is an accepted and valuable extension of the well-documented use of these implants for the treatment of edentulism. In patients who have received ionizing radiation as part of tumor therapy, the use of dental implants is poorly documented. A limited trial of 21 Brånemark implants placed in the previously irradiated mandibles of four patients is reported here. The implants have been in place and functioning for periods of 3 to 7 years. No implants have been lost. Patient selection, treatment, and complications encountered are discussed. Guidelines for further use of osseointegrated implants in patients with previously irradiated mandibles are suggested.