Jaw in a day: total maxillofacial reconstruction using digital technology.

BACKGROUND

Tumors of the mandible are complex, often requiring replacement of bone, soft tissue, and teeth. The fibula flap has become a routine procedure in large tumors of the jaw, providing bone and soft tissue at the time of the resection. In current practice, dental reconstruction is delayed for 3 to 6 months, leaving the patient without teeth in the interim. This can be disfiguring and anxiety provoking for the patient.

METHODS

In this article, the authors present three patients with benign tumors of the mandible who underwent virtually guided resection, fibula reconstruction, and insertion of an implant-retained dental prosthesis in one operation. In addition, the authors report their early experience using this technique in the maxilla.

RESULTS

The authors present a case series of three patients with benign mandibular tumors and one patient with a benign maxillary tumor who underwent total reconstruction using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing technology in a single stage.

CONCLUSIONS

In the right situation, total mandibular reconstruction is possible in a single stage. This is demonstrated by the successful outcomes of these patients.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.