Viability of dental implants in patients treated for oral squamous carcinoma: A retrospective study

AIM: Dental rehabilitation significantly improves the quality of life of oral cancer survivors, although its success may vary with multiple factors. This study aims to assess the viability of dental implants in treated cases of oral squamous carcinoma, focusing on radiotherapy, dose, site, thread design, and time interval following radiotherapy. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary cancer care institute on patients with oral squamous carcinoma who received dental implants during the period January 2019 to February 2024. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised 120 patients with 443 implants. The primary variables assessed included radiation therapy (RT) status (pre RT and post RT), dose, implant site (native bone versus fibula free flap), implant thread design (active or passive), and time interval following radiotherapy.Statistical Analysis Used: Chi square and independent t tests. Statistical significance was determined as P