title: Computer assisted dental rehabilitation in free flaps reconstructed jaws: one year follow-up of a prospective clinical study.
abstract: Continuity defects in bone after resection of the jaw may cause problems, and osseo-myocutaneous free flaps are the gold standard for their reconstruction. Implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation is reliable with these microvascular options, although it is still a serious challenge. The aim of this prospective clinical study was to describe the advantages of implants restored according to a computer-assisted surgical protocol. A group of 10 consecutive patients (both sexes) had already been treated and followed up for at least 1 year after prosthetic loading. The NobelGuide protocol had to be modified to adapt the technique for these patients who had had reconstructions. A total of 56 fixtures were installed and, when possible, immediately loaded (overall survival of implants 95%). Every patient was given correct provisional prosthetic rehabilitation, which was most satisfactory as far as chewing, social functioning, and overall quality of life were concerned. Three-dimensional computed tomographic (CT) examination showed a mean (SD) marginal bone loss of 1.06 (0.5)mm. We used a modified technique of computer-assisted implant surgery in jaws that had been reconstructed with free flaps; from these preliminary findings this approach seems valid when it comes to function, improving prosthetic restoration, and aesthetics.
authors.affiliation: Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, University Hospital of Sassari, Italy. melonisilviomario@yahoo.it
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Meloni
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Riu
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pisano
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Massarelli
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tullio
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D003757:Dental Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D015921:Dental Implants; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000637:transplantation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D008439:Maxillary Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants