Explain the Irradiation and its Implication
The issues are the decreased salivary flow, liability for infection because of the decreased blood supply and the possibility of osteoradionecrosis. However, it is known that the survival rate of the implants in normal versus irradiated patients is not significantly different. The waiting period following irradiation before implant surgery can be done has been 3-6 months, 6 months and 12 months as per different authors. However, a six month period is suitable as after 6 months fibrosis is expected to begin in the irradiated tissues as a result of reduced cell reproducibility and progressive ischaemia. The use of hyperbaric oxygen has also been recommended to improve the healing capacity and to avoid soft tissue ulceration.