About this topic
Osteoradionecrosis is sometimes called ORN. It is a rare side effect after radiation therapy to your head or neck. ‚
What are the causes?
Your radiation may have killed or damaged healthy cells in the bones of your jaw. You may have poor blood flow to your jaw bone after radiation. Then your jawbone does not get the oxygen and nutrition it needs to be healthy. You may be able to see your bone in your mouth. It may not heal after you have dental work done. The bone becomes weak and may die. Signs may occur months to years after radiation treatment. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You may have more problems with ORN after having a tooth pulled or other dental procedure. You are more likely to have ORN if you have radiation and chemotherapy. Smoking while you are having treatment also raises your chances for ORN. ‚
What are the main signs?
- The upper or lower jawbone is able to be seen through the gum or is poking through the skin
- Pain
- Problems moving your mouth
- Swelling of your jaw or face
- Infection
- A sore in your mouth or on your jaw
- Trouble opening mouth fully
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do a head and neck exam. Your doctor will ask about any chemotherapy or radiation. The doctor may want to do some tests to learn more about your condition. The doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- X-ray
- CT or MRI scan
- Biopsy of the area
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The treatment is based on how advanced the ONR is. Salt water rinses with gentle scrubbing may be helpful. Antibiotics will be helpful if the wound is infected. You may need surgery to remove the dead bone or get rid of infection. You may also need surgery to reshape your face after bone has been removed. ‚
Your doctor may suggest a treatment called hyperbaric oxygen therapy. You breathe in pure oxygen in a special room where the pressure is higher than the pressure outside of the room. This lets more oxygen get into your blood and may help healing. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
If you have dry mouth, talk to your doctor. They can suggest ways to help keep your mouth moist. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight or prevent an infection
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Before you have any chemotherapy or radiation, be sure you go see your dentist. Tell your dentist about your treatment. Have your teeth cleaned and checked. You can have any other work you need done at that time, as well such as fillings or having a tooth pulled.
- Keep having routine dental care for cleaning and checkup. Talk with your cancer or radiation doctor before you have any dental procedures.
- Brush your teeth after each meal or at least 2 times a day. Do not rush when you brush and spend 2 full minutes cleaning all of your teeth. Use toothpaste with fluoride.
- Use dental floss to clean between your teeth at least 1 time each day.
Where can I learn more?
American College of Hyperbaric Medicine ‚
https://www.achm.org/index.php/General/Medicare-Accepted-Indications/Osteoradionecrosis.html ‚
Childrens Oncology Group ‚
http://www.survivorshipguidelines.org/pdf/osteoradionecrosis.pdf ‚
Oral Cancer Foundation ‚
http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/complications/osteoradionecrosis.php ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚