Oral health-related quality of life after rehabilitation with maxillary obturators: A comparison of patients with maxillectomy defects associated with cancer and post-COVID-19 mucormycosis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Maxillectomy alters function and esthetics, negatively affecting oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). OHRQoL has been assessed after prosthetic rehabilitation in patients with maxillectomy associated with cancer. However, OHRQoL studies after prosthetic rehabilitation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated mucormycosis are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to compare OHRQoL before and after rehabilitation with maxillary obturators in patients with maxillectomy defects associated with cancer and post COVID-19 mucormycosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted at 2 centers. A total of 47 participants who underwent maxillectomy because of cancer were included from the first center, and 32 participants who underwent maxillectomy because of post COVID-19 associated mucormycosis of the maxilla were included from the second center. Participants were asked to rate their dental problems on a Likert scale using Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) before and after prosthodontic rehabilitation. The difference between scores among groups for each item and overall score was compared by using the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test (α=.05). A linear mixed-effects model was fitted to account for the repeated measures within individuals. A random intercept for each participant was included to account for the within-subject correlation. RESULTS: An overall improvement in the OHRQoL of participants was found in both groups. The mean total OHIP-14 score for the cancer group decreased from 24.2 at the prerehabilitation stage (Pre-R) to 9.5 at the postrehabilitation stage (Post-R). The magnitude of improvement was higher for the post COVID-19 associated mucormycosis group with a reduction in the mean total OHIP-14 score of 52.0 (Pre-R) to 6.5 (Post-R). The mean change in OHIP-14 scores after rehabilitation was 15 (95% CI 10-19) in the cancer group but significantly larger at 45 (95% CI 41-49) in the mucormycosis group. The P value for the mean total OHIP-14 score at Pre-R was <.001 and at Post-R was.031. The interaction term between groups and time was significant, indicating different effects between groups with time. CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of the OHRQoL after rehabilitation with prostheses among patients with cancer and post COVID-19 associated mucormycosis showed that the OHRQoL scores, although much higher among patients with mucormycosis before rehabilitation (compared with patients with cancer), were almost similar after rehabilitation.

Osteoradionecrosis of the jaws: A retrospective cohort study.

Introduction: Radiotherapy (RT) combined with chemotherapy and surgery is the indicated treatment for head and neck cancers. Even with the advent of modern technological advances in RT and improved oral hygiene awareness, osteoradionecrosis (ORN) still remains as one of the most debilitating side effects of RT. Methodology: This is a retrospective review assessing 72 patients aged over 18 years of age reporting in the Dental Department, for treatment of ORN from April 2010 to July 2019. Each patient was clinically examined and treated according to standard protocol. The stage of ORN was noted at the diagnosis and at follow-up. The demographic data, the tumor characteristics, and the treatment of patients were evaluated using descriptive statistics. Results: At the time of diagnosis, 84.7% of the study population was found to have Epstein Type II chronic persistent nonprogressive lesions and 11.1% of the cohort had Type III active progressive lesions. Statistically significant correlation (P = 0.00) was found for ORN grade at diagnosis and at follow-up. ORN being a chronic pathology, stabilization of the disease was observed in 72.3% of cases. The resolution of the necrotic lesion and down staging of the disease was seen only in 2.8% of patients. Conclusion: ORN is mainly a chronic long standing pathology which is difficult to treat completely. Stabilization of symptoms and preventing further spread of the necrotic lesion should be the ultimate aim of the treatment to improve the quality of life of the patients.

A review on the classification of mandibulectomy defects and suggested criteria for a universal description.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Several mandibular defect classifications after oncological resection have been proposed with no universal acceptance among surgeons and prosthodontists. Established criteria for describing these mandibulectomy defects are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the classification systems of mandibular defects available in the scientific literature, provide a critical appraisal, and identify the criteria necessary for a universal description of mandibular discontinuity defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search of the English language literature between 1971 and 2020 was performed on 2 electronic databases (PubMed and Cochrane Library). The search was conducted using MeSH terms and free text words: Mandible neoplasm AND Mandibular reconstruction OR Mandible resection OR Mandible defect AND classification, followed by the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies describing the classification of osteoradionecrosis of the mandible, mandibular fracture, impacted mandibular third molar, and mandibular endodontic or periodontal treatment were not included. The full texts of selected articles were reviewed in depth to provide a critical appraisal. The various descriptive factors of each classification system were tabulated to identify criteria suitable for the universal description of mandibular discontinuity defects. RESULTS: The electronic search yielded a total of 239 titles and abstracts. Of these, 52 titles relevant to the review were identified by the 2 reviewers independently. Those studies that did not match the predetermined inclusion criteria and duplicates were excluded. By reviewing the 21 selected studies and applying exclusion criteria, 12 studies were selected for full-text reading. A manual search in the references of the selected publications was performed, which yielded 1 additional article that satisfied the inclusion criteria. Thus, a total of 13 full-text articles were included in the final review. After further qualitative analysis and tabulation of relevant information from selected classification systems, the 8 descriptive criteria and a pyramidal hierarchical chart were proposed that included the extent of bony defect, soft tissue defect, dental status, mandibular function, neurological status, condyle status, type of reconstruction, and combined resection. CONCLUSIONS: The spectrum of patients with mandibulectomy defects following resection varies greatly. The question of the most ideal classification system remains unresolved. Eight different criteria for the description of mandibular discontinuity defects and the pyramidal hierarchical chart proposed will allow surgeons and prosthodontists to better communicate and conceptualize an individualized surgical and prosthetic treatment plan.

X-ray computed microtomography datasets for osteogenic nanofibrous coated titanium implants.

Surface modifications of titanium implant influences the quality of osseointegration and are associated with favourable treatment prognosis in orthopaedic and cranio-maxillofacial cases. Hence, unlike previous works, the peri-implant region details of our novel osteogenic nanofibrous coated implants placed in rabbits (n = 6 + 1) were recorded over a 12-week period using a micro-CT imaging system. In this unique contribution, we have created a computed tomography (CT) library of rabbit's tibiae anatomy with osteogenic nanofibrous coated/uncoated implants and are introductory useful assets for investigating the correlation between osteogenic nanofibers coated implants and its effect on improved osseointegration. Apart from using this CT dataset to conduct serial 2D image studies, three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions, assessing segmentation algorithms and developing adequate image quantitation tools, there may be positive applications of these in comparative investigations of similar or related preclinical as well as future clinical studies, further design planning, development etc. required for evolution of implants beyond the present state of art.

Development of a psychosocial perception scale and comparison of psychosocial perception of patients with extra oral defects before and after facial prosthesis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Loss of facial organs and subsequent rehabilitation affects a patient's psychological status. Understanding the perceived psychosocial aspects of quality of life among patients with missing organs and after prosthetic rehabilitation is essential, but studies that quantify this aspect are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to develop and validate a psychosocial perception scale and compare psychosocial perception before and after the prosthetic rehabilitation of a missing facial part. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A psychosocial perception scale was developed to quantitatively measure the perceived psychosocial aspects of quality of life among patients with extraoral defects. The instrument was translated in the Hindi and Marathi Indian languages by using a forward and backward translation method. Depending on the responses obtained from the patients in the interview about the interpretation and ease of understanding, the questionnaire was modified and further pilot testing conducted. In the first phase, validation of the questionnaire was carried out with internal consistency, interdomain correlation, and intraclass correlation assessed by using the Cronbach α, Pearson correlation, and test retest reliability. Construct validity was established by the exploratory factor analysis. In the second phase, 32 participants were evaluated for their psychosocial response before and 3 months after prosthetic rehabilitation. Responsiveness and change in the domains scores of the psychosocial perception scale were studied by using the Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test (α=.05). RESULTS: The Cronbach α for internal consistency of overall psychosocial perception was .855 and .809 in the pretreatment and post-treatment visits consecutively. Most of the domains in the psychosocial perception scale had a Pearson correlation (r)>0.40. The domain of esthetics had r=0.84(confidence interval: .43-0.95), indicating good intraclass correlation. The domains of esthetics (P<.005), function (P<.005), positive emotions (P<.005), negative emotions (P=.011), and social and personal relationship P=.003) of the psychosocial perception scale showed statistically significant improvement in the scores after prosthetic intervention and had excellent (r>0.90) intraclass correlation. CONCLUSIONS: The psychosocial perception scale was a reliable tool to assess the patient response toward the prosthetic rehabilitation of extraoral defects. Positive improvements in the domains score (esthetics, function, positive emotions, and social and personal relationship) contributed to better perception after prosthetic rehabilitation.

Two-piece oral facial prothesis retained with magnets for a complex maxillary facial defect: A clinical report.

Total flap failure is a devastating complication in head and neck reconstruction. This clinical report describes the rehabilitation of an extensive maxillectomy defect communicating with the midface by using a 2-piece magnet-retained orofacial prosthesis fabricated in heat-processed acrylic resin. The innovative design and choice of material allowed early rehabilitation of a patient receiving palliative care at a resource-constrained tertiary care oncology center. Prosthetic treatment served to reduce the period of hospitalization and helped the patient to resocialize.

Treatment of Refractory Medicine Related Osteonecrosis of Jaw With Piezosurgical Debridement and Autologous Platelet Rich Fibrin: Feasibility Study.

ABSTRACT: Medicine related osteonecrosis of jaw (MRONJ) is incidental in patients receiving certain bone modifying agents in oncology. These lesions may not respond to conservative management and aggravate. Autologous platelet derivatives contain bone growth factors, which help in bone regeneration. The aim of this pilot study is to develop protocol for treatment of refractory MRONJ with pizosurgical debridement and advanced platelet rich fibrin.In this feasibility study, refractory MRONJ lesions were treated by piezosurgical debridement and insertion of autologous advanced platelet rich fibrin in 15 patients. One patient had 2 lesion sites, so in all 16 MRONJ sites were treated. These patients were evaluated at the end of 1 month and 4 months for healing of MRONJ lesion. Statistical analysis was done by using Fisher test for response assessment in relation to variable. Eight lesions (50%) showed complete healing at the end of 1 month. At the end of 4 months 13 lesions (81.50%) were completely healed, 2 lesions (12.5%) were downgrades, and 1 lesion (6.25%) did not respond to treatment. Number of doses of bone modifying agent was only factor found associated with nonhealing of MRONJ when treated with this protocol.In this pilot study, feasibility of use of piezosurgical debridement and platelet rich fibrin was evaluated. The results of the study suggest complete healing can be achieved with this treatment protocol. Further research with increased sample size is warranted to determine optimum use of autologous platelet concentrates in treatment of MRONJ.

Oral and dental health status in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVE: A prospective, longitudinal assessment of oral and dental health status was done from baseline until treatment completion in patients scheduled to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) for locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC). STUDY DESIGN: One hundred fifty consecutive, treatment-naïve adult patients with biopsy-proven LAHNC scheduled to receive NACT were recruited. One hundred thirty-five patients completed all assessments at 3 designated time points: baseline (T0), midtreatment (T1), and posttreatment (T2). Variables assessed were: Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) score; decayed, missing, or filled teeth (DMFT) score; mucositis grade; pain score; and grade of trismus. RESULTS: Median OHI-S scores showed a statistically significant increase (higher the score, poorer the oral hygiene) when the patients were evaluated from baseline to completion of NACT (T1 vs. T2; T0 vs. T2; P < .001), which indicated a decrease in oral health. There was no change in median DMFT score (P = .32), but a significant change was seen in all-grade mucositis over time (P < .001). Median pain scores and trismus grades decreased significantly (P < .001) over time. CONCLUSIONS: There was a decrease in oral health status without any change in dental health seen in patients undergoing NACT. Mucositis was initially noted as an aftermath of chemotherapy, which resolved with time.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with imatinib therapy in myeloproliferative neoplasm: a rare case report.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a relatively infrequent but very well-known adverse effect of bisphosphonates. This rare complication of bisphosphonates is rarest with the use of certain drugs. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), particularly used in renal cell carcinoma or gastrointestinal tumors as a chemotherapeutic agent, can precipitate this particular medical condition of bone when it is associated with either radiation or bisphosphonates, though, monodrug therapy with TKIs rarely causes MRONJ. This article describes a rare case of necrosis of the jawbone in a patient with a myeloproliferative neoplasm who was receiving the TKI imatinib and had no history of bisphosphonate or radiation therapy to head and neck region.

Impact of Oral Rehabilitation on Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: Study of 100 Patients with Liverpool Oral Rehabilitation Questionnaire and the Oral Health Impact Profile.

Prosthodontic rehabilitation enables head and neck cancer patient to optimally restore function, thereby improving and enhancing the oral health related quality of life of cancer patients. The liverpool oral rehabilitation questionnaire (LORQ-v3) and oral health impact profile (OHIP) are specific tools that measure OHRQOL. Hundred patients with head and neck cancer were included in the study. Patients were asked to rate their experience of dental problems before fabrication of prosthesis and after 1 year using LORQv3 and OHIP-14. The responses were compared on Likert scale. There were extreme problems reported by head and neck cancer patients before dental rehabilitation. After 1 year of prosthetic rehabilitation, there was improvement noticed in all the domain of LORQ-v3 and OHIP-14. Complete compliance to the use of prosthetic appliances for 1 year study period was noted. For all the items of LORQ-v3 there was 10 to 38% improvement in function. OHIP-14 showed an 11 to 26% improvements in all the domains. Prosthetic rehabilitation contributed to an improvement of patients with head and neck cancer, in view of the decreased scores on the Likert scale after prosthetic treatment. The study of hundred patients with head and neck cancer showed that the oral health-related quality of life improved after prosthodontic rehabilitation.

Changes in the quality of life and acoustic speech parameters of patients in various stages of prosthetic rehabilitation with an obturator after maxillectomy.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Prosthetic interventions at various stages help patients recover from esthetic and functional disabilities. However, little is known regarding their impact on patient quality of life (QOL) during various phases of treatment. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate changes in the QOL and acoustic speech parameters of patients rehabilitated by using a prosthesis at various stages after undergoing maxillectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 30 consecutive patients who underwent maxillectomy resection and successfully completed all phases of rehabilitation with obturator prostheses were included. The study was conducted in 4 phases. In the preoperative phase, patients were evaluated for QOL and speech, and dental impressions were made. In the immediate postoperative phase, patients were rehabilitated with a delayed surgical obturator on the fifth postoperative day and were evaluated for QOL and speech on the 12th postoperative day. In the interim obturator phase, patients were rehabilitated with an interim maxillary obturator between the 12th and 15th postoperative days and were evaluated for QOL and speech after using the prosthesis for a minimum of 1 week. In the definitive phase, nonradiated patients were rehabilitated with a definitive prosthesis in the sixth week, and radiated patients were rehabilitated with a definitive prosthesis in the sixth month. The QOL and speech parameters of the patients were evaluated after 1 week. QOL evaluation in each phase was performed by using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35 questionnaires. Speech parameters, namely intensity, fundamental frequency, habitual frequency, jitter, shimmer, maximum phonation time, and the S/Z ratio, were measured by using acoustic speech software. The change in QOL over various phases of rehabilitation with an obturator was analyzed by using repeated measures analysis of variance, whereas changes in acoustic speech parameters were analyzed by using the Friedman test (α=.05). RESULTS: A statistically significant difference (P<.05) was observed in the physical function, role function, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dyspnea, sleep, and appetite loss domains of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and in the speech, social eating, social contact, mouth opening, dry mouth, sticky saliva, use of painkillers, and feeding tube domains of the EORTC QLQ-H&N35. The analysis of speech parameters also revealed significant improvement in intensity, jitter, shimmer, maximum phonation time, and the S/Z ratio, suggesting improvement in speech with the use of different types of obturators. CONCLUSIONS: The overall QOL and speech of the patients showed increasing improvement with the use of surgical obturators, immediate obturators, and definitive obturators in that order. The disease symptoms and oral functions deteriorated in the immediate postoperative phase but improved steadily and approached the preoperative level with definitive obturator prostheses.

Variations in concerns reported on the patient concerns inventory in patients with head and neck cancer from different health settings across the world.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to collate and contrast patient concerns from a range of different head and neck cancer follow-up clinics around the world. Also, we sought to explore the relationship, if any, between responses to the patient concerns inventory (PCI) and overall quality of life (QOL). METHODS: Nineteen units participated with intention of including 100 patients per site as close to a consecutive series as possible in order to minimize selection bias. RESULTS: There were 2136 patients with a median total number of PCI items selected of 5 (2-10). "Fear of the cancer returning" (39%) and "dry mouth" (37%) were most common. Twenty-five percent (524) reported less than good QOL. CONCLUSION: There was considerable variation between units in the number of items selected and in overall QOL, even after allowing for case-mix variables. There was a strong progressive association between the number of PCI items and QOL.

Accentuated osseointegration in osteogenic nanofibrous coated titanium implants.

Anchoring of endosseous implant through osseointegration continues to be an important clinical need. Here, we describe the development of superior endosseous implant demonstrating enhance osseointegration, achieved through surface modification via coating of osteogenic nanofibres. The randomized bio-composite osteogenic nanofibres incorporating polycaprolactone, gelatin, hydroxyapatite, dexamethasone, beta-glycerophosphate and ascorbic acid were electrospun on titanium implants mimicking bone extracellular matrix and subsequently induced osteogenesis by targeting undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells present in the peri-implant niche to regenerate osseous tissue. In proof-of-concept experiment on rabbit study models (n = 6), micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT), histomorphometric analysis and biomechanical testing in relation to our novel osteogenic nanofibrous coated implants showed improved results when compared to uncoated controls. Further, no pathological changes were detected during gross examination and necropsy on peri-implant osseous tissues regenerated in response to such coated implants. The findings of the present study confirm that osteogenic nanofibrous coating significantly increases the magnitude of osteogenesis in the peri-implant zone and favours the dynamics of osseointegration.

Study of Quality of Life in Patients with Soft Tissue Reconstruction Following Mandibulectomy.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of mandibulectomy with soft tissue reconstruction on quality of life (QOL) and functions of speech and swallowing. METHODOLOGY: Quality of life of 66 patients was evaluated by using EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC-HN35 questionnaires. Speech was evaluated objectively by Dr. Speech software version 4 and subjectively by a single speech therapist along with swallowing. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: Out of 66 patients, 57 followed up postoperatively. Comparison of preoperative and postoperative QOL, speech, and swallowing was done by using paired 't' test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test as per distribution. When evaluated by EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC-HN35, statistically significant difference was found in the domains of physical function, fatigue, nausea-vomiting, dyspnea and appetite loss, pain, nutrition, swallowing speech and dry mouth. Significant difference was found in speech (maximum intensity) and most of the domains of swallowing. CONCLUSION: In EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire, all functional scales showed deterioration with maximum in physical function. Symptom scales showed worsening but significant improvement was found in pain when evaluated by EORTC-HN35. However, the global health status/QL was found to be improved marginally.

18F FDG Uptake Due to Late-Onset Osteoradionecrosis for Tongue Base Carcinoma.

Differentiating osteoradionecrosis (ORN) from tumor recurrence is challenging. This report is rare documentation of false-positive F-FDG PET scan attributed to ORN in a patient previously treated for carcinoma of base of tongue (Ca BOT). Extraordinarily high F-FDG uptake was seen in right ramus (SUVmax, 17.4), left body mandible (SUVmax, 13.6) with left pleural deposits (SUVmax, 17.4). Tumor recurrence was suspected. Pleural fluid aspirate showed evidence of metastatic disease. However, CT-guided biopsy of mandibular lesions revealed necrotic tissue. Hence diagnosis of ORN was established. Patient was put on palliative chemotherapy. No mandibular recurrence was noted during 6-month follow-up period.

Factors Affecting Dental Rehabilitation Following Jaw Reconstruction With Free-Fibular Graft In Patients With Head and Neck Cancer.

Existing anatomic factors play a significant role in affecting the possibility of dental rehabilitation in head and neck cancer patients undergoing free-fibular graft reconstruction. An observational, cross-sectional study was initiated to evaluate factors affecting dental rehabilitation following free-fibular graft jaw reconstruction in head and neck cancer patients.Patients who had undergone jaw reconstruction with free-fibular graft, requiring dental rehabilitation were recruited. Irradiated, reconstructed patients who had completed at least 1 year since the last dose of radiotherapy and nonradiated patients who had completed 6 months since reconstruction were recruited. Patients who had undergone soft-tissue reconstruction or free-fibular graft in non-condyle sparing resections were excluded. Patient's demographic data, disease and treatment-related data were obtained. An intra-oral examination was carried out to evaluate anatomic variables affecting dental rehabilitation. Descriptive statistical analyses were carried out to study demographic data. Logistic regression analysis was carried out using Pearson χ test and Fisher exact test. Estimates of regression coefficient and their standard errors with 95% confidence interval were calculated.Total of 138 patients were enrolled and considered for prosthetic rehabilitation. A review of the frequency-based data revealed that 30% (n = 41) patients were considered suitable for prosthetic rehabilitation. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, morbidity of radiotherapy (P = 0.01), interference to placement of implants by reconstruction plates and screws (P = 0.023), unfavorable diagnostic maxilla-mandibular relationship (P = 0.011), and obliterated vestibule (P = 0.001) were statistically established (P < 0.05) as the most significant reasons for not carrying out dental rehabilitation in patients who had undergone free-fibular graft reconstruction.

High-dose-rate brachytherapy in severe trismus: Making it happen!

Brachytherapy has been widely employed as a salvage or adjuvant modality in localized early and/or recurrent lesions. In recent years, advances in brachytherapy techniques have helped to achieve better loco-regional disease control and higher survival rates at the cost of limited morbidity. This is mainly owing to the development of technologically advanced three-dimensional computer planning systems and treatment delivery techniques. Low-dose-rate brachytherapy has been substituted by high-dose-rate and pulsed-dose-rate techniques, which allow better dose optimization. Inter-disciplinary approach results in fabrication of customized intra-oral surface mould, which allows accurate dose delivery, excellent dose distribution, and is less time-consuming. However, fabrication of surface mould becomes extremely challenging when intra-oral anatomic factors are unfavorable. We present a report on the management of a previously-irradiated completely edentulous patient with severe trismus for whom high-dose-rate surface mould brachytherapy had been prescribed. A unique, reliable, and practical solution has been presented based firmly on the scientific knowledge of contemporary implant dentistry.

Osteogenic Nanofibrous Coated Titanium Implant Results in Enhanced Osseointegration: In Vivo Preliminary Study in a Rabbit Model.

A titanium implant surface when coated with biodegradable, highly porous, osteogenic nanofibrous coating has shown enhanced intrinsic osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties. This coating mimics extracellular matrix resulting in differentiation of stem cells present in the peri-implant niche to osteoblast and hence results in enhanced osseointegration of the implant. The osteogenic nanofibrous coating (ONFC) consists of poly-caprolactone, gelatin, nano-sized hydroxyapatite, dexamethasone, ascorbic acid and beta-glycerophosphate. ONFC exhibits optimum mechanical properties to support mesenchymal stem cells and steer their osteogenic differentiation. ONFC was subjected to various characterization tests like scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffractometry, thermal degradation, biomineralization, mechanical properties, wettability and proliferation assay. In pre-clinical animal trials, the coated implant showed enhanced new bone formation when placed in the tibia of rabbit. This novel approach toward implant bone integration holds significant promise for its easy and economical coating thus marking the beginning of new era of electrospun osteogenic nanofibrous coated bone implants.

Postradiotherapy Prosthetic Management of Mandible Reconstructed With Fibular Graft.

Intraoral defects secondary to resection of mandible leading to mandibular discontinuity are very complicated to treat as the muscles exert forces on the residual portion of the mandible. Primarily this leads to disfigurement of the face. These forces also make mastication difficult due to imbalance. Ultimately it leads to poor quality of life for the patient. Apart from that the clinical outcome and prognosis of prosthetic rehabilitation of such patients is very poor. The composite fibular flap is the preferred donor site for reconstruction of most complex orofacial-mandibular defects. The addition of a skin island allows for absolute tension-free intraoral closure that enhances tongue mobility. After reconstruction with free fibula graft, planning for prosthodontic rehabilitation by various methods can be carried out. Treatment strategy is dependent on the intraoral situation and patient's acceptance. This article reports various treatment considerations for implant retained prosthetic rehabilitation in a patient who had undergone mandibular reconstruction with free fibula flap.