Implant retained overdentures in mandibular reconstruction: a case report

Area of Science:

• Oral Surgery
• Prosthodontics
• Reconstructive Dentistry

Background:

• Oral cancer treatment often necessitates extensive surgical resection, including portions of the mandible.
• Post-surgical and radiation therapy defects can lead to significant functional and esthetic deficits, impacting mastication, speech, and appearance.
• Rehabilitation requires tailored prosthodontic solutions to restore lost form and function.

Observation:

• A patient presented with esthetic and functional impairments following mandible resection and reconstruction due to oral cancer.
• Challenges included difficulties with mastication and speech, alongside compromised facial aesthetics.
• Conventional rehabilitation methods were considered insufficient for the patient's specific needs.

Findings:

• Dental implants were surgically placed to anchor a custom prosthodontic solution.
• An implant-retained overdenture, connected by a bar with an O-ring retention system, was fabricated.
• This approach successfully addressed the patient's esthetic demands and functional requirements.

Implications:

• Implant-supported overdentures offer a viable and effective treatment modality for complex oral cancer defects.
• Careful selection of prosthetic components, like the O-ring system, is crucial for successful patient outcomes.
• This case highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in restoring quality of life after cancer treatment.