Histologic Evidence of Osseointegration in the Irradiated and Reconstructed Mandible: A Case Report

Osseointegrated implants are widely used in dental rehabilitation. They are particularly valuable if the structures supporting a denture had to be removed because of oral cancer. Additionally, many of these patients undergo radiotherapy, but cancer and radiotherapy are seen as relative contraindications for implant therapy. In the literature, there are few clinical studies documenting successful oral rehabilitation using implants in such patients. The authors report a clinical case in which histologic evidence of osseointegration can be demonstrated in an irradiated and reconstructed mandible. This observation should encourage the extended application of implants in rehabilitation following oral cancer surgery. Keywords: dental implants, mandibular reconstruction, oral cancer, radiotherapy