Prosthetic Rehabilitation and Its Influence on Masticatory Performance and QoL in Patients Treated for HNC

Prosthetic Rehabilitation and Its Influence on Masticatory Performance and Quality of Life in Patients Treated for Head and Neck Cancer

The main goal of this clinical trial (pilot study) is to evaluate whether prosthetic rehabilitation modifies objective masticatory performance, subjective masticatory performance, quality of life, salivary flow and pH in patients treated for head and neck cancer before and after the placement of fixed and/or removable prostheses.

Hypothesis Prosthetic rehabilitation with fixed and/or removable prostheses modifies objective masticatory performance, subjective masticatory performance, quality of life, salivary flow and pH in non-irradiated patients treated for head and neck cancer compared to irradiated patients.

Study population The study population will consist of patients treated for head and neck cancer who are candidates for prosthetic rehabilitation. The type of prosthetic treatment recommended will be determined by a dental expert in the treatment of these patients.

Interventions

1. - First session and recruitment:

   • Oral health status.
   • Sialometry and salivary pH.
   • Subjective masticatory performance.
   • Objective masticatory performance.
   • Quality of life.

2. - Prosthodontic treatment.

3. - Second session (after insertion of the prosthesis)

   After an adaptation period of ± 15-30 days from the insertion of the prosthesis, the recordings carried out in the first session will be performed again:

   • Oral health status.
   • Sialometry and salivary pH.
   • Subjective masticatory performance.
   • Objective masticatory performance.
   • Quality of life.

4. - Third session (follow-up 6 months)

After a period of time of 3 months ± 7 days after the second session, the recordings carried out in the first and second sessions will be performed again:

• Oral health status.
• Sialometry and salivary pH.
• Subjective masticatory performance.
• Objective masticatory performance.
• Quality of life.

The adverse effects of oncological treatment can alter both the functional and esthetic capabilities of patients, resulting in a diminished quality of life. Dental rehabilitation with prostheses is used to restore the loss of these parameters. Therefore, it is important to know whether patients treated for head and neck cancer improve their masticatory performance, and therefore their quality of life, when rehabilitated with fixed or removable prostheses.

Masticatory function is altered after oncologic treatment in patients with head and neck cancer, causing a decrease in their quality of life. Therefore, there is a need to know whether patients treated for head and neck cancer improve their masticatory performance and masticatory function, and therefore their quality of life, when rehabilitated with fixed or removable prostheses, as well as to know whether this variation in parameters is maintained over time. In addition, it is important to evaluate other aspects that are also directly related to quality of life and masticatory function, such as oral health, the level of salivary secretion and its pH.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects over 18 years of age who accept the conditions of the study.
• Patients diagnosed and treated for head and neck cancer in the stable phase of their oncologic pathology.
• Patients in need of prosthetic rehabilitation treatment and who agree to be treated.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects under 18 years of age and/or who do not accept the conditions of the study.
• Diagnosis of cancer in regions other than those mentioned in the inclusion criteria.
• Present a tumor recurrence at the time of the study, undefined oncologic evolutionary situation or under oncologic treatment.
• Presence of orofacial pain or craniomandibular dysfunction hindering mandibular movement and or participation in the study.
• Present a disability to complete the different records.