Our Summary

This study looked at how effective a certain type of reconstructive surgery is for people who have suffered severe damage to their jaws due to tumors or injury. The surgery involves using a part of the fibula (the smaller bone in the lower leg) to replace the damaged part of the jaw, and then installing dental implants.

The researchers examined 17 people who had this surgery between 1999 and 2012, who altogether had 62 dental implants. They found that about 16% of the implants had to be removed due to infection around the implant site, which meant that the survival rate of the implants was about 84%.

They also found that the vast majority of the implants (96%) had a healthy depth of gum tissue around them, while 4% had a depth indicating possible gum disease. Dental implants with deeper gum tissue had significantly more plaque, bleeding, and bone loss than those with healthier depths.

The study concluded that this type of surgery could be a good alternative for patients with severe jaw damage. However, they also noted that the process of bone formation differs between the fibula and the jaw, which could affect how well the dental implants survive.

FAQs

  1. What is the survival rate of dental implants in reconstructive surgery involving a part of the fibula?
  2. What percentage of dental implants had to be removed due to infection around the implant site?
  3. How does the difference in bone formation between the fibula and the jaw potentially affect the success of dental implants?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about dental implant surgery is to practice good oral hygiene before and after the procedure. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, using an antibacterial mouthwash, and attending regular dental cleanings. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent infections around the implant site and promote successful healing and integration of the implant.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for dental implant surgery include those who have missing teeth, severely damaged teeth, or have experienced trauma to the jaw. Additionally, patients who have tumors or other conditions that have caused significant damage to the jaw may also benefit from dental implant surgery. Dental implants can provide a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for patients who are missing teeth or have damaged teeth.

Timeline

Before dental implant surgery, a patient will typically undergo a consultation with their dentist or oral surgeon to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure. This may involve a thorough examination of the mouth, teeth, and jaw, as well as X-rays or CT scans to assess bone density and structure. The dentist will also discuss the patient’s medical history and any potential risks or complications associated with the surgery.

After the consultation, the patient will schedule the surgery and may be advised to follow certain pre-operative instructions, such as avoiding smoking, certain medications, or eating or drinking before the procedure. On the day of the surgery, the patient will be given local anesthesia or sedation to numb the area and make them comfortable during the procedure.

During the surgery, the damaged tooth or teeth will be extracted, and the implant(s) will be placed into the jawbone. The gums will then be closed with stitches, and the patient will be given post-operative instructions on how to care for the surgical site and manage any discomfort or swelling.

After the surgery, the patient will need to follow a strict oral hygiene routine to keep the implant site clean and free from infection. They may also need to follow a soft diet for a period of time to allow the implant to heal properly. Over the next few months, the implant will integrate with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, which is essential for the long-term success of the implant.

Once the implant has fully healed and fused with the bone, the patient will return to the dentist to have a prosthetic tooth or teeth attached to the implant. This may involve taking impressions of the mouth to create a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture that will be securely attached to the implant(s) for a natural-looking and functional restoration. Regular check-ups and cleanings will be necessary to ensure the implant remains healthy and stable over time.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the benefits of dental implant surgery compared to other options for replacing missing teeth?

  2. What is the success rate of dental implants in patients who have undergone reconstructive surgery using the fibula bone?

  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with dental implant surgery in patients who have had severe jaw damage?

  4. How long is the recovery process after dental implant surgery, and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?

  5. Will I need any additional procedures, such as bone grafting, before the dental implant surgery can be performed?

  6. How long do dental implants typically last, and what can I do to ensure their longevity?

  7. What type of maintenance and care will be required for my dental implants after the surgery?

  8. Are there any restrictions on diet or activities that I should be aware of after getting dental implants?

  9. How soon after the surgery can I expect to have fully functioning teeth and regain normal chewing and speaking abilities?

  10. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider before deciding on dental implant surgery?

Reference

Authors: Wiesli MG, Fankhauser-De Sousa S, Metzler P, Rohner D, Jaquiéry C. Journal: Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2023 Dec 12;38(6):1151-1160. doi: 10.11607/jomi.9952. PMID: 38085746