Patients receiving radiation therapy experience significant changes in the oral mucosa and often require partial or complete dentures. Ideally, the oral soft tissue should be fully healed before the orthopedic procedure can be started. There are suggestions that there should be a waiting period of at least 6 months to 1 year.

Head and neck cancer is an important health problem worldwide. It is a global health problem, with about half a million new cases diagnosed each year, and the incidence appears to be increasing in developing countries.

Saliva is needed for swallowing and speaking, helps prevent infections and tooth decay, by cleaning teeth and gums and preventing too much acid in the mouth. Changes in saliva quantity and quality due to radiation have also been documented in the dental literature.