Abstract
We performed functional oral reconstruction using implant superstructures in a patient who underwent reconstructive surgery with a rectus abdominis flap, and evaluated the stomatognathic functions. First, particulate cancellous bone and marrow with titanium mesh were used for mandibular reconstruction. Implant placement was performed in the mandible at 6 months after the bone graft. Second-stage implant surgery and vestibuloplasty using Platine mucosa were performed 6 months after the first implant surgery, and final implant superstructures were installed. At the 33-month follow-up, there was no bone resorption around the implant, or peri-implantitis and the implant was stable. Masticatory function markedly improved after these treatments. Prior to the implant surgery, with the use of a palatal augmentation prosthesis, the speech articulation test and conversation intelligibility test revealed improvement in speech functions. However, these functions were reduced slightly after the final implant superstructures were screwed. The stomatognathic dysfunction after ablation of oral cancer is diverse. Therefore, it is important for the improvement of QOL that evaluation of oral dysfunction, combined with oral rehabilitation and selection of the surgical technique based on a prosthetic treatment plan be performed.
