The Alberta Reconstructive Technique: An Occlusion-Driven and Digitally Based Jaw Reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Dental Implantology

Background:

• Current free flap jaw reconstruction relies on bone-driven methods, prioritizing aesthetics over functional occlusion.
• The primary goal of jaw reconstruction is to restore dental occlusion and enable oral rehabilitation.
• Limitations exist in bone-driven approaches regarding timely functional recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Alberta reconstructive technique (ART), an occlusion-driven approach for jaw reconstruction.
• To compare ART with standard bone-driven and delayed implant installation (BDD) protocols.
• To assess ART's safety, effectiveness, accuracy, timeliness, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study design.
• Comparison of ART with the standard bone-driven and delayed osseointegrated implant installation (BDD) protocol.
• Evaluation of safety, effectiveness, accuracy, timeliness, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness.

Main Results:

• ART demonstrated equal safety and superior effectiveness in achieving full occlusal reconstruction and oral rehabilitation.
• ART patients achieved oral rehabilitation in 21.4 months versus 73.1 months for BDD.
• No aesthetic differences were observed; ART was $22,004 less costly and yielded higher quality-adjusted life years.

Conclusions:

• The Alberta reconstructive technique (ART) is a safe, effective, accurate, aesthetic, and cost-effective option for jaw defect reconstruction.
• ART successfully restores both form and function in a timely manner.
• ART significantly improves oral rehabilitation outcomes compared to traditional methods.