Radiation's hidden toll: study tracks tooth loss in cancer survivors

NCT ID NCT02057510

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study follows head and neck cancer patients who received radiation therapy to see how many teeth they lose over two years. It also looks at other mouth problems like dry mouth and bone damage. The goal is to better understand and manage these long-term side effects.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this could help doctors better predict and prevent tooth loss and jaw bone damage in head and neck cancer survivors.
What could go wrong: This is an observational registry, not a treatment trial, so it won't directly improve outcomes. Results may not apply to all patients or cancer types.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms head and neck squamous cell carcinoma osteoradionecrosis salivary gland cancer Stomatognathic Diseases tooth disorder Xerostomia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DENTAL DISEASE HEAD AND NECK CANCER OSTEORADIONECROSIS XEROSTOMIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02120, United States
Carolinas Medical Center - Dental Clinic

Charlotte, North Carolina, 28203, United States
New York University - College of Dentistry

New York, New York, 10010, United States
University of Connecticut Health Center - School of Dental Medicine

Farmington, Connecticut, 06030, United States
University of North Carolina - School of Dentistry

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States
University of Pennsylvania - School of Dental Medicine

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

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