A Patient with a History of Tonsillar Cancer Presents for Evaluation of Exposed Alveolar Bone in the Mouth.

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a rare but serious late complication of head and neck radiation therapy. The mandible, proximity of the primary tumor to the jawbones, radiation dose, poor oral hygiene, and smoking history are risk factors of ORN. ORN manifests as a chronic infection with exposed jawbone, which typically occurs in the first 3 years after radiotherapy; however, the risk for ORN development occurring in the patients who have undergone head and neck radiation therapy may be indefinite. Surgery has an important role in the management of cases of ORN, ranging from sequestrectomy, debridement, and extensive extirpative procedures with reconstructive surgery.