Long-term results of mandibular reconstruction with autogenous bone grafts and oral implants after tumor resection

Abstract Objectives: (a) To evaluate retrospectively the clinical outcome of non-vascularized bone grafts used for the reconstruction of mandibular defects following tumor resection; (b) to evaluate the clinical outcome of implants and implant-supported prostheses placed in the reconstructed areas; and (c) to evaluate patients’ satisfaction regarding function and esthetics after oral rehabilitation. Material and methods: In a 9-year period (1995–2003), 29 patients affected by mandibular tumors involving to tooth bearing areas were treated by means of tumor resection and immediate or delayed reconstruction with autogenous non-revascularized calvarial or iliac bone grafts. Among these patients, 16 patients were selected for dental rehabilitation of the lost dentition with implant-supported fixed prostheses. Four to 7 months later, the patients received 60 oral implants for the prosthetic rehabilitation of the reconstructed edentulous areas. Results: No total failure of the graft was observed, while partial loss of the graft was observed in one patient. The mean follow-up of patients after the start of prosthetic loading of implants treated was 94 months (range: 36–132 months). Two patients dropped out of the follow-up after 3 and 4 years of observation, respectively. Two implants were removed due to loss of osseointegration, while two implants, although still integrated, presented peri-implant bone resorption values higher than those proposed by Albrektsson et al. for successful implants. Cumulative survival and success rates of implants were 96.7% and 93.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Results from this study demonstrated that bone defects following resection of mandibular tumors can be predictably reconstructed with autogenous bone grafts taken from the calvarium or the anterior iliac crest. It has also been shown that the long-term survival and success rates of implants placed in the reconstructed areas (96.7% and 93.3%, respectively) may guarantee an excellent prognosis of implant-supported prostheses.