Prosthetic Status and Needs among Head and Neck Cancer Irradiated Patients Suffering from Xerostomia in Delhi, India

Abstract

Aim: To assess the prosthetic status and prosthetic needs of Head and Neck Cancer Irradiated Patients
suffering from Xerostomia in Delhi India.
Materials and Method: A multi-centric, cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 120
head and neck cancer irradiated patients suffering from xerostomia in Delhi. The information related to
socio-demographic data, the prosthetic status, and prosthetic need was obtained using a proforma based on
WHO oral health assessment form 1997.
Results: Out of 120 participants, 103 were males and 17 were females. The mean age of the study participants
was 47.68 + 10.26 years. Stage 1 carcinoma was diagnosed in 69 (57.5%) of the participants while stage 2
carcinoma was diagnosed in 51 (42.5%) . Out of 120 individuals, 7 (5.8%) needed single unit prosthesis, 33
(27.5%) needed multi-unit prosthesis, 48 (40%) needed a combination of a single and multi-unit prosthesis,
and 18 (15%) needed a full prosthesis.
Conclusion: The need for prosthesis was high among Head and Neck Cancer Irradiated Patients. There is a
need to emphasize dental service utilization among this group of people.