What is the recommended healing period between oral surgery and the start of radiotherapy to prevent osteoradionecrosis?

The recommended healing period between oral surgery and the start of radiotherapy to prevent osteoradionecrosis is two weeks. This timeframe is crucial because it allows sufficient healing of the oral soft tissues and any bone involved in the surgical procedure. By allowing two weeks, the risk of developing osteoradionecrosis, a serious complication characterized by the death of bone due to radiation exposure, is significantly reduced.

During the two-week period, the surgical site can achieve initial closure and some level of vascularization, which is essential for tissue health and recovery. If radiotherapy is initiated too soon after surgery, the irradiated tissues may undergo further complications due to impaired healing and decreased blood supply, leading to a higher risk of osteoradionecrosis.

While shorter or longer intervals may seem feasible, they do not provide the optimal healing time needed for the best outcomes. A one-week period is often insufficient for adequate tissue recovery, and extending beyond two weeks, such as into three or four weeks, may not offer increased benefits while delaying necessary treatment. Hence, two weeks strikes the right balance for a safe transition to radiotherapy following oral surgical procedures.