Reconstruction of alveolar ridge and jaw defects resulting from gunshot wounds

Reconstruction and rehabilitation of acquired defects of the oral cavity is an important dental service. Severe deformities of the jaws may result secondary to gunshot wounds of the oral-facial region. New advances in soft and hard tissue surgical reconstruction can be of great benefit to the patient when coupled with prosthetic rehabilitation. In recent years there has been a significant increase in the incidence of gunshot wounds in the civilian population in the United States, and those of the mouth and jaws are relatively common-place. Gunshot wounds to the face and jaws may cause gross destruction of tissues. Although immediate definitive treatment of wounds reduces the mutilating effect, a significant number of patients require extensive reconstructive procedures. In addition, prosthetic rehabilitation is almost always needed. The purpose of this paper is to briefly review some recent advances in reconstruction of the maxilla and mandible following gunshot injuries.