Jaw in a Day: Total Maxillofacial Reconstruction Using Digital Technology

Background: Tumors of the mandible are complex, often requiring replacement of bone, soft tissue, and teeth. The fibula flap has become a routine procedure in large tumors of the jaw, providing bone and soft tissue at the time of the resection. In current practice, dental reconstruction is delayed for 3 to 6 months, leaving the patient without teeth in the interim. This can be disfiguring and anxiety provoking for the patient. Methods: In this article, the authors present three patients with benign tumors of the mandible who underwent virtually guided resection, fibula reconstruction, and insertion of an implant-retained dental prosthesis in one operation. In addition, the authors report their early experience using this technique in the maxilla. Results: The authors present a case series of three patients with benign mandibular tumors and one patient with a benign maxillary tumor who underwent total reconstruction using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing technology in a single stage. Conclusions: In the right situation, total mandibular reconstruction is possible in a single stage. This is demonstrated by the successful outcomes of these patients.