Complications caused by radiation therapy Radiation to the head and neck can cause the same oral problems as chemotherapy and can also damage glands that produce saliva and the muscles of the jaw and neck, and bone. High-dose radiation to the bones that hold the teeth can cause a reduction in the level of oxygen in the tissues, less blood supply to the bones, and tissue breakdown leading to exposed bone, infection, and tissue death. Both radiation therapy to the head and neck and chemotherapy drugs affect the ability of cells to divide, making it difficult for tissue in the mouth to repair itself. Radiation damage occurs in the site that is irradiated. The damage depends on the amount and kind of radiation used, the total dose used, and the size of the area irradiated.
Damage caused by radiation therapy affects the tissues for the rest of the patient's life.
These tissues are more easily damaged at a later time by drugs or radiation, and normal methods of cell repair do not work as well once cells are permanently destroyed. Complications caused by surgery Patients who have dead jaw or facial bones due to radiation therapy may undergo surgery to remove the dead bones and tissue. This surgery can be deforming. Reconstructive surgery may not be successful because the tissues do not have enough oxygen to heal themselves. The occurrence of oral complications in patients with head and neck cancer can be reduced when aggressive prevention measures are taken before treatment begins.