Custom Radiation Shields

Before radiation therapy, your radiation oncologist may recommend a custom oral radiation shield to wear during treatment. When radiation is directed near the mouth, some of the radiation can scatter inside the oral cavity. This may increase the risk of side effects such as: • Mouth sores • Mucositis (painful inflammation of the mouth tissues) • Dry mouth / xerostomia (reduced saliva production) • Osteoradionecrosis (bone damage caused by radiation) Metal fillings, crowns, or other dental restorations may also become heated during treatment and irritate or burn nearby soft tissues. A custom oral radiation shield helps protect healthy areas of the mouth by: • Positioning the jaw to reduce the exposure of radiation • Absorbing some of the radiation • Reducing unnecessary radiation exposure to healthy tissues • Preventing soft tissues from directly contacting metal dental restorations during treatment These stents are typically made from materials such as: • Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) • Tungsten • Silicone Although oral radiation shields and/or positioning stents cannot completely prevent side effects, they may help reduce the risk and severity of complications. Not every patient needs a custom oral radiation shield and/or positioning stent. Its use depends on factors such as: • The location of the radiation treatment • The radiation dose • The amount of tissue being treated Your radiation oncology team will determine whether a shield is appropriate for your treatment plan.