Dental implantation for restoration of posttraumatic deformities: avulsion injuries

Soft and hard tissue defects of the cranio- and maxillofacial area, especially after an avulsion injury, are challenging to reconstruct. Sophisticated soft and hard tissue transfer techniques have allowed satisfactory reconstruction of the gross anatomic structure. However, these methods do not allow optimal restoration of fine anatomic detail or function. The advent of dental implants and modified dental implants for craniofacial applications has allowed maximization of cosmetic and functional restoration. Prosthodontists are capable of fabricating subunits of the cranio- and maxillofacial area with fine detail, reproducing the coloring, texture, and idiosyncrasies of a patient's native skin. Dental implant technology has allowed these prostheses to be bone anchored, yielding a reproducible and stable attachment. This method of attachment in turn allows flexibility in the design of the prosthesis, to maximize restoration, and imparts an increased sense of confidence to the patient. Illustrated are six examples demonstrating the versatility of dental implants in the reconstruction of avulsion injuries of the cranio- and maxillofacial complex.