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Updated: May 27, 2026

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3D Planning and Printing of Patient Specific Implants for Reconstruction of Bony Defects
Published on: August 4, 2020
Implant-retained craniofacial prostheses for facial defects.
1Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany.
GMS Current Topics in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
|November 11, 2011
Summary
Craniofacial prostheses (epistheses) offer effective facial defect rehabilitation through modern silicones and bone anchorage. Extraoral implants, utilizing titanium and osseointegration, provide secure retention for even large facial prostheses.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Prosthodontics
Background:
- Facial defects pose significant challenges for rehabilitation.
- Modern silicones and bone anchorage have revolutionized treatment.
- Osseointegration of titanium, discovered in the 1950s, paved the way for dental implants in the 1960s.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the principles of osseointegration.
- To outline the features of extraoral implantology for craniofacial prostheses.
- To highlight advancements in implant-retained prostheses.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical developments in craniofacial prosthetics and implantology.
- Discussion of osseointegration principles.
- Examination of extraoral implant systems (solitary and grouped).
Main Results:
- The advent of modern silicones and bone anchorage marked a breakthrough.
- Titanium's osseointegration led to dental implants and later extraoral implants (first in 1977).
- Various implant systems, including grouped systems, enhance reliability in challenging anatomical regions.
Conclusions:
- Implant-retained craniofacial prostheses offer secure retention for extensive facial defects.
- Osseointegration and atraumatic surgical techniques are fundamental to successful outcomes.
- Extraoral implantology has advanced significantly, improving patient rehabilitation.

