The effect of hyperbaric oxygen on irradiated oral tissues: Transmucosal oxygen tension measurements

Abstract

Purpose This study measured the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment on transmucosal oxygen tension in irradiated human oral mucosa. Patients and Methods Ten patients received 30 dives of HBO as part of their treatment for mandibular osteoradionecrosis. A noninvasive, nonheated oxygen electrode was used to measure the tissue surface transmucosal oxygen tension directly on the attached gingiva. Measurements were done before, during, and after HBO treatment. The normal level of gingival surface transmucosal oxygen tension was measured in five healthy volunteers. Results During HBO treatment, the transmucosal oxygen tension increased significantly after five dives of HBO ( P < .05). After 30 dives, the increases were from a mean of 50% to a mean of 86% of the transmucosal oxygen tension of normal healthy gingiva. Conclusion An increase in the transmucosal oxygen tension is based on neo-angiogenesis. Patients with subischemic tissues, such as the study population with postirradiation mucosal and osseous necrosis, therefore may benefit from treatment with HBO.