Abstract
Introduction: Root canal treatment is considered an ideal treatment option instead of dental extraction to prevent the development of osteoradionecrosis in head and neck cancer patients post-radiotherapy. This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of radiotherapy on pulp vitality in head and neck cancer patients. Materials and methods: The database of MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from 1946 up to February 2019 for pulp vitality of the teeth of head and neck cancer patients (>16 years old) post-radiotherapy. Two authors independently completed the review’s stages. Results were summarized narratively. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools were used to assess quality of included papers. Results: 1153 studies were identified and only 2 studies were included in data synthesis. In the two studies, the case and control groups were almost similar according to the source of a similar cohort. Both studies identified confounding variables clearly, but they did not explain strategies used to deal with confounding variables. Conclusions: Pulp vitality might be affected with high doses of radiotherapy during treatment (>35 Gy) and at the end of treatment course (60-70 Gy). PROSPERO registration: CRD42018115238.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Saudi Endodontic Journal |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - Oct 2020 |
