Abstract
Extensive maxillary defects following malignant tumor resection often result in severe impairment of mastication, as well as deterioration of quality of life, particularly in edentulous patients. To address these challenges, surgical reconstruction using a vascularized fibula free flap combined with implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation has been increasingly applied.
We report a case of maxillary gingival carcinoma treated with partial maxillectomy followed by maxillary reconstruction using a free fibula flap. After adequate healing, dental implants were placed in the transplanted fibular bone, and a maxillary implant overdenture supported by a wide-area implant-supported device was fabricated. Despite anatomical challenges, including excessive flap bulk, insufficient vestibular depth, and limited bone volume of the grafted bone, stable prosthetic retention and functional rehabilitation were achieved. Post-treatment functional assessments demonstrated marked improvements in masticatory performance and oral health-related quality of life. This case suggests that implant-supported overdenture rehabilitation following maxillary reconstruction with a fibula free flap may be a viable treatment option for restoring oral function in patients with extensive maxillary defects.
