Authors:
A.G. Dumans, C. de Baat
Source:
NTvT september 2004; 111: 350 - 356
Section:
summary:
For patients diagnosed with malignant oral lesions invating the mandible, a partial or complete mandibulectomy is unavoidable. In predicting the invasion of the lesion, preoperative imaging techniques are used, such as an orthopantomogram, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. A mandibular discontinuity can be restored using a stainless steel or titanium reconstruction plate, or using autogenous non-vascularized or vascularized bone grafts. In achieving the goal of complete rehabilitation endosseous permucosal implants can be inserted in order to support a prosthesis. There is a tendency of a higher implant loss frequency among bone-grafted patients who have had implants after irradiation when compared with non-irradiated patients. After a (partial) mandibulectomy, oromandibular reconstruction by non-vascularized or vascularized bone grafts and endosseous implants provides a unique opportunity to restore some oral functions.