208 Chapter 6 Conclusion Our study suggests that tooth extractions contribute to significant weight loss during treatment. Since body weight maintenance is important for completing planned oncological treatment and for supporting the recovery phase, further weight loss caused by tooth extractions should be minimized or avoided as much as possible. More careful consideration of teeth removal prior to CRT/BRT seems appropriate, but demands close communication with the HNC team. As RT protocols and thus the doses to the tooth-bearing part of the jaws vary widely, interdisciplinary consultation with the radiation oncologist is highly recommended in order to reduce the risk of ORN due to potential oral sources of infection. This study prompts further investigation into the adverse effects of tooth extractions and disruption of the masticatory system. That, along with the current improvements in RT techniques, may fuel the discussion to review and deescalate the current tooth extraction protocols aimed at reducing the risk of ORN.
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