By Dr. Hitesh R. Singhavi, Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon
Introduction
Oral cancer treatment can be life-saving—but it often comes at a cost. Many patients lose their teeth during surgery or radiation, which affects their ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. Fortunately, dental implants have emerged as a promising option for oral rehabilitation after cancer treatment.
But is it safe to get implants after surgery and radiation? Will they last? And when should they be placed? Let me break this down for you in simple terms.
1. Are dental implants possible after oral cancer treatment?
Yes! Dental implants are not only possible, but for many oral cancer survivors, they are the best available option for restoring lost teeth. Implants are small titanium screws placed in the jawbone to support artificial teeth, giving patients back their ability to eat, talk, and smile naturally.
2. Does radiation therapy affect implant success?
This is one of the most common concerns—and a valid one.
Earlier research showed that implants in patients who had radiation were more likely to fail than those who didn’t. Radiation can affect the bone’s healing ability and reduce blood supply, which may reduce the implant’s stability.
However, our latest analysis—which included newer studies—showed no significant difference in implant survival between irradiated and non-irradiated patients. In fact, when implants are carefully planned and placed after enough healing time, the success rates can be quite good—even in patients who had radiation.
That said, higher radiation doses (more than 50 Gray) still tend to have slightly lower implant survival rates. So, careful planning is key.
3. When is the best time to place dental implants?
Timing matters.
Our study found that delaying implant placement—usually around 14 months after cancer treatment—led to better outcomes. Why? Because it gives your body time to heal, and reduces the risk of complications like poor bone healing or tumor recurrence.
Immediate implant placement (right after surgery) may sound convenient but is often not ideal in cancer patients.
4. Where should the implants be placed—upper jaw or lower jaw?
This also makes a difference.
We found that implants placed in the lower jaw (mandible) tend to survive better than those in the upper jaw (maxilla). The lower jaw has denser bone and provides better primary stability for implants. But radiation to the mandible also carries a higher risk of a serious condition called osteoradionecrosis—bone death due to poor blood supply. So again, a balanced, well-informed plan is essential.
5. Do reconstructive flaps or bone grafts affect implant outcomes?
In some cancer surgeries, parts of the jaw are reconstructed using bone grafts or tissue flaps (like the fibula from the leg). While this can provide enough bone for implants, the results vary based on the type of reconstruction and radiation received.
More research is needed in this area, but current evidence suggests that implants can still work well in reconstructed jaws if done with proper planning.
6. What about implant loading or bite pressure?
The amount of time before the implant supports a tooth (called “loading”) and the bite pressure it bears are factors in implant success. However, most studies don’t give enough detail about this. Until we know more, the general rule is to proceed cautiously and avoid early or heavy loads on new implants.
7. Does getting implants really improve quality of life?
Absolutely. Dental implants after oral cancer surgery can dramatically improve:
- Chewing and eating ability
- Speech clarity
- Facial appearance and confidence
- Overall quality of life
As a cancer surgeon, I have seen firsthand how a smile restored is a life restored.
Final Thoughts from Dr. Hitesh R. Singhavi
If you or a loved one is recovering from oral cancer, don’t lose hope when it comes to restoring your smile. Dental implants are a safe and effective option when carefully planned, especially if:
- Adequate healing time (12–14 months) is allowed
- Radiation dose and site are considered
- Implants are placed in the right location, often the mandible
- You’re guided by a team of experienced specialists
Always consult your head and neck cancer team and a specialist prosthodontist before making decisions. Every patient is unique—and your dental rehabilitation should be, too.
Dr. Hitesh R. Singhavi is a leading Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon with extensive experience in oral cancer reconstruction and rehabilitation. He believes in restoring not just health—but dignity and quality of life—for all cancer survivors.