Post-irradiation changes in the blood vessels of the adult human mandible

Changes in the inferior alveolar artery and periosteal vessels of the post-irradiation mandible have been investigated. The inferior alveolar artery underwent comparatively little change, stenosis being noted in just over half the specimens examined. The number of periosteal arteries and veins increased, the changes being most marked on the body where the effective tissue dose of radiation was highest. The increase in periosteal vessels was independent of stenosis of the inferior alveolar artery.