Outcomes of immediate dental implants in vascularised bone flaps for mandibular reconstruction

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to assess the outcomes of immediate implant placement for dental rehabilitation following mandibular reconstruction with vascularised bone flaps in a single Australian tertiary cancer centre. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent immediate dental implant or delayed placement in vascularised bone flaps was performed. Primary outcome measures assessed included the number of implants placed, operative time, complication rates, time to radiotherapy initiation, dental rehabilitation rates and time to dental rehabilitation. Results: In total, 187 dental implants were placed in 52 patients, of which 34 patients underwent immediate implant placement and 18 had delayed implant placement. There were no significant differences in the postoperative complication rate (32% immediate vs. 33% delayed, P = 0.89) or time to postoperative radiotherapy (median 42 days immediate vs. 47 days delayed, P = 0.24). Dental rehabilitation was achieved in 62% of the immediate cohort versus 78% of the delayed cohort. The time to be fitted with a dental prosthesis was significantly shorter in the immediate cohort (median 150 days immediate vs. 843 days delayed, P = 0.002). Conclusions: The placement of immediate dental implants at the time of primary reconstruction of the mandible is a safe procedure and facilitates timely dental rehabilitation.