2007 Volume 20 Issue 2 Pages 299-303
A case of masticatory functional recovery by implant supported overdenture of the mandible pretreated with a plastic operation of tongue flap is reported. The patient was a 71-year-old male who had undergone oropharynx cancer resection and reconstruction with free rectus abdominis muscle flap 7 years earlier. After the operation, the patient had suffered from an oral to chin fistula, so fistula closure with tongue flap had been performed. The patient had then been treated with dentures to improve masticatory function, but the denture had not adapted because of the tongue flap over the anterior alveolar part of the mandible. The patient was referred to our clinic, and was indicated for treatment with implant supported overdenture. At first, a plastic operation of tongue flap was conducted, and good tongue movement and ideal alveolar shape were obtained. After the plastic operation, four implants were placed in the anterior part of the mandible. The patient now wears an implant supported overdenture and has good masticatory function.
