CASE REPORT
Management of an irradiated patient using a complete
removable prosthesis – a specific clinical approach
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1
Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Monastir, Research Laboratory of Oral Health and Buccofacial Rehabilitation (LR12ES11), 5000 Monastir, Tunisia, Tunisia
2
Department of Prosthodontics, Ben Arous Regional Hospital ,Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Monastir, Research Laboratory of Oral Health and Buccofacial Rehabilitation (LR12ES11), 5000 Monastir, Tunisia, Tunisia
Submission date: 2026-01-05
Acceptance date: 2026-03-19
Publication date: 2026-03-19
Corresponding author
Ahlem Beji
Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Monastir, Research Laboratory of Oral Health and Buccofacial Rehabilitation (LR12ES11), 5000 Monastir, Tunisia, Tunisia, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
Prosthodontics 2026;76(1):75-82
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ABSTRACT
Radiotherapy is a commonly applied treatment
modality for head and neck malignancies.
Despite its proven effectiveness in improving
cure rates, it is associated with several complex
oral complications that may confound treatment
planning for prosthetic rehabilitation. The
most common intraoral adverse effects include
xerostomia, mucositis, dental caries and
osteoradionecrosis.
Prosthetic rehabilitation with removable
dentures in irradiated patients presents specific
clinical challenges. These difficulties result
from tissue fragility, chronic limitation of mouth
opening, reduced salivary flow, increased
susceptibility to fungal infections, and the
persistent risk of osteoradionecrosis. Such
conditions complicate prosthetic management and
require the application of specific precautionary
measures, particularly in the area of removable
prosthodontics.
The aim of this paper is to present, through
a clinical case, the specific characteristics and precautionary measures required at the various
stages of fabrication of a complete removable
prosthesis in an edentulous patient who underwent
irradiation of the oro-facial region.