Tooth extraction prior to radiotherapy for oropharyngeal cancer increases the risk of osteoradionecrosis.

Purpose: Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw is a therapy-resistant condition that may occur after treatment for head and neck cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of osteoradionecrosis in patients with oropharyngeal cancer in relation to tooth extraction prior to radiation therapy.

Methods: Patients who had undergone radiation therapy for oropharyngeal cancer 5-10 years earlier were included and evaluated for the development of osteoradionecrosis (n = 75).