Reconstructive techniques for the repair of oral and maxillofacial oncological procedures: what are they, how do they work and what do they look like?
BACKGROUND
There are many different ways to reconstruct the oral and maxillofacial region post tumour ablation. In the past, the resection of oral tumours had been associated with significant disfigurement and loss of function. Modern techniques aim to restore function and improve cosmetics. This paper aims to describe the techniques used in patients treated at the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre and to answer the more common questions associated with reconstructive techniques.


METHODS
A review of techniques of oral reconstruction used by our unit over the last nine years and a review of the literature.


RESULTS
Various techniques of reconstruction gained from our experience in treating patients with oral cancer are documented. There are a variety of techniques including grafts, local flaps, regional flaps and free vascularized flaps. Metallic implants such as osseointegrated dental implants may also be used for dental rehabilitation.


CONCLUSIONS
There are many different methods of reconstruction in patients who have had resection for oral tumours. It is important for general dental practitioners who may be involved with the care of such patients to have an understanding of the modern techniques of reconstruction that may be used.
Chandu
A
A
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Heidelberg, Victoria.
Bridgeman
A M
AM
Smith
A C H
AC
Flood
S J
SJ
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000637:transplantation; D001860:Bone Plates; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D015921:Dental Implants; D004954:Esthetics; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000637:transplantation; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000637:transplantation; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply / Q000145:classification
D015921:Dental Implants