2022 Volume 45 Issue 2 Pages 33-40
Extensive oro-maxillary defects may result from surgical treatment of advanced oro-maxillary pathologies such as oral cancers, benign tumors, osteomyelitis/osteonecrosis, congenital oro-maxillofacial malformations such as cleft lip and palate, or oral-maxillofacial trauma, leading to segmental or large partial defects of the maxillary and/or mandibular bone and alveolus together with successive loss of multiple teeth. These defects can disrupt muscular attachments and impair comprehensive oral functions such as mastication, swallowing, speech, and facial esthetics, decreasing patients’ quality of life. In 2012, the Japanese National Health Insurance system introduced a comprehensive oral-maxillofacial rehabilitation program that includes coverage for oro-maxillary reconstruction and dental-implant-anchored prostheses for patients with extensive oro-maxillary defects resulting from these acquired pathologies, congenital defects, or trauma. The medical insurance has been continuously extended and the associated medical fees have been increased every two years. This report presents an overview of the current situation in terms of the applicability and efficacy of the Japanese National Health Insurance oral-maxillofacial rehabilitation program in terms of its feasibility and contribution to patients’ quality of life, with a focus on future perspectives.
