Different types of Radiation Prostheses to minimize radiation side-effects

Radiation prosthesis is an artificially fabricated device that aids in the efficient administration of radiotherapy to the affected areas and thereby helps in limiting post radiotherapy complications. Radiotherapy is being used as an adjunctive form of treatment in the management of head and neck cancer. Adverse tissue reactions are associated with the use of radiotherapy in the management of patients with head and neck cancer. These reactions are painful and they diminish the quality of life, often discouraging the patient from taking treatment. A prosthodontist can help the Radiotherapist in radiotherapy of the patient by fabrication of certain devices. These devices are shielding devices, positioning stents and radiation source carriers. Radiation shielding devices minimize exposure of the surrounding healthy tissues, positioning devices help in delivering radiation to desired area, while radiation source carrier is used for radiation of intraoral localized area. This article aims at displaying the various prostheses that can be given to oral cancer patients to provide better treatment and decrease post radiation complications. The use of these devices is individualized and close collaboration between the radiotherapist and the prosthodontist is essential. Use of these devices minimizes severity of the problems, improves the prognosis and provides comfort to the patient. Radiation therapy is employed by many institutions and the dentist must be aware of the appliances that can be fabricated to prevent the undesirable side effects of radiation.