Protective and positioning devices in maxillofacial prosthodontics and radiotherapy: Overview

Background

Radiation therapy (RT) is a common modality of treatment in patients with head and neck cancer, and can cause several oral complications. These mainly include radiomucitis, oral pain, hyposalivation, limitation of mouth opening, and osteoradionecrosis.

There are different intraoral devices aimed at reducing these complications. It can be used in association with the therapy of RT. They are used to protect healthy tissues surrounding the site to be irradiated, carry the radiation source, move away from certain anatomical structures, position certain devices, and to allow tissue remodeling.

The collaboration between the maxillofacial prosthodontist specialist and the radiotherapist is necessary for the design and realization of these devices which differ according to each clinical situation.

This work aims to review and illustrate the different radiation devices used in combination with head and neck radiotherapy and introduce a new device design to protect and remove non-radiation-targeted structures.

Conclusion

The use of maxillofacial devices as a protective and positioning stent during radiotherapy is beneficial and should be systematic if indicated in collaboration with the oncological team.