Answer:
Post-reconstruction dental rehabilitation is facilitated with the use
of osseointegrated implants in vascularized bone flaps. The implants remove
the load of the denture from the soft tissue which reduces the frequent
problem of ulceration and discomfort in the postmandibular reconstruction
patient attempting to use a tissue-borne denture. A minimum bone height
of 10 mm and bone width of 5.75 mm are frequently taken as the minimum
criteria. The iliac crest and the fibula flap are the two that consistently
have bone dimensions adequate for implant placement. The scapular and radius
flaps can also support osseointegrated implants but may have inadequate
dimensions particularly in women who may have smaller bone dimensions.
The long-term success of implants is about 50-60% at 10 years. The major
complications were loosening of implants and osteoradionecrosis of the
mandible from minor trauma.