Use of implants for prosthetic rehabilitation after cancer treatment: clinical experiences

Treatment of patients with head and neck cancer may result in extensive intra- or extra-oral defects. Prosthetic rehabilitation often will be limited by insufficient retention and an atrophic mucosa or skin. In such cases, osseointegrated implants may offer substantially improved retention for the often complex prosthetic constructions. However, irradiation has a negative influence on the bone growth capacity and thus on osseointegration. Based on experimental studies, a recovery period of 6 to 12 months after irradiation is recommended. Because of the risk of failure and the lack of sufficient and sound scientific knowledge, clinical studies of titanium implants inserted in previously irradiated bone tissue have had varying results. This paper discusses the typical requirements of implant suprastructures for resection prostheses. Some of the patient histories and clinical management presented illustrate the possibilities of implants in the field of maxillofacial reconstruction.