Controversies in Traditional Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction

Abstract

Traditional reconstruction of the head and neck and significantly evolved over the last 20 to 30 years with advances in microvascular surgery, biologic materials such as bone morphogenic protein, and dental implant predictability. Earlier and more definitive reconstruction can now be achieved with combining therapies, allowing patients immediate restoration of function and improved cosmetics. Antiresorptive medications, such as Denosumab and bisphosphonates, have complicated bony reconstruction treatments with altered biology and less-predictable results. Virtual surgical planning is a major advancement for reconstruction pretreatment planning and designing of intraoperative tools to expedite the operation and achieve more predictable results.

Keywords: Nonvascularized graft; Reconstruction; Virtual surgical planning.