RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Tooth requiring extraction before radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients should be performed as long as possible before the initiation of radiation therapy. Conventionally, a minimum 2-week waiting primary healing period is recommended. Although the above 2-week period is ideal, it is not uncommon for the radiotherapist and cancer patient to feel an urgent need to proceed with radiotherapy despite the need for dental care. Therefore, alternative approaches for early radiotherapy, including conservative endodontic treatment and a 1-week waiting primary healing period after dental extraction at the time of radiotherapy were considered and applied based on a literature review MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical study involved 120 head and neck cancer patients who were treated at Wonju Christian Hospital, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, from January 1995 to December 2004. RESULTS: In the clinical study, there were no specific complications, such as, post-extraction wound infections, radiation osteitis and osteoradionecrosis over the recent 10 years despite the early radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Based on the clinical study, a minimum 1-week waiting primary healing period for oral care before radiotherapy is suitable for early radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients.