Posttraumatic maxillomandibular reconstruction: a treatment algorithm for the partially edentulous patient.

Maxillofacial injuries in the partially edentulous patient present unique challenges that are best treated in conjunction with appropriate dental specialists. Many surgeons who treat complex maxillofacial injuries are not involved in the process of reconstruction of the occlusion and alveolus; however, dental rehabilitation is an important and often overlooked component of treatment of the partially edentulous patients. Working with dental specialists and understanding the role they play in perioperative planning, the plastic surgeon is in a position to optimize reconstruction and rehabilitation of these injuries. The appropriate dental specialists working with the plastic surgeon can provide the surgeon with the necessary orthodontic, prosthodontic, and radiologic expertise that is required to successfully treat these patients. In this article, the authors present their management algorithm for maxillomandibular rehabilitation in the partially edentulous patient and discuss the role of the appropriate dental specialists for obtaining optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes.