Oral Surgery & Dentistry

Scottsdale Hyperbaric Center provides HBOT as an adjunctive treatment for select complications in dentistry and oromaxillofacial surgery. HBOT is FDA- and Medicare-approved for osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORN) and compromised grafts and flaps, and may be considered for patients with impaired wound healing following oral surgery or radiation therapy.

Clinical Scenarios for Referral

• Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the mandible: Delayed radiation-induced bone necrosis resulting in impaired healing and increased risk of infection.

• Compromised facial or oral flaps/grafts: Patients with ischemic tissue following reconstructive or trauma-related surgery.

• Dental or facial infections: Particularly in hypoxic tissues or areas with impaired perfusion.

• Post-radiation wound healing: Patients with delayed recovery after extractions, implants, or other oral surgery procedures.

Surgical and Radiation-Related Tissue Challenges

Complex oral and maxillofacial procedures may result in:

• Tissue hypoxia due to impaired blood supply

• Edema and compromised perfusion

• Increased risk of delayed wound healing, infection, or tissue necrosis

Patients with prior head and neck radiation, diabetes, or vascular disease may be at elevated risk for these complications.

Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

HBOT involves the administration of 100% oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure, elevating plasma oxygen content and improving oxygen delivery to hypoxic tissue. Clinical benefits in oral surgery contexts include:

• Supporting tissue oxygenation in ischemic or irradiated areas

• Adjunctive support for compromised grafts and flaps

• Facilitation of wound healing in ORN and other post-surgical complications

• Supporting adjunctive management of infections in hypoxic tissues

Treatment protocols follow UHMS clinical guidelines and are individually tailored based on patient evaluation and surgical context.