Dental implantation to free scapular bone flap used for mandibular reconstruction

Three patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction with a free vascularized scapular osteocutaneous flap after tumor resection are presented. Dental reconstruction was performed on three patients by implanting an artificial dental root into the grafted bone. The procedures for dental implantation were done just as on a normal jaw, and did not require hospitalization of the patients. They were followed up for 3 to 5 years after dental reconstruction. They have been able to masticate and ingest in a virtually normal manner during these periods. They also showed good appearance of the reconstructed mandible and dentes. On the basis of these results, the indication and evaluation of this procedure are discussed.