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

NCT ID NCT02057510

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

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