Quality of Life Outcomes in Patients Receiving Dental Implants in Vascularised Bone Flaps for Mandibular Reconstruction

BackgroundResection, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the mandible impacts function and health related quality of life (HRQOL). This study aims to understand the impact of delayed versus immediate dental implant placement.MethodsA cross-sectional and prospective study was conducted including patients who underwent reconstruction of the mandible via osseous vascularised bone flaps and dental implants. The FACE-Q Head and Neck Cancer module, M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory and Speech Handicap Index were used to evaluate HRQOL.Results187 implants were placed in 52 patients, of which 44 patients (85%) completed questionnaires. Immediate dental implant placement was associated with superior FACE-Q appearance (p = 0.02), oral competence (p = 0.004), smile distress (p = 0.03), and satisfaction with information (p = 0.004).ConclusionsDentoalveolar rehabilitation through the placement of immediate dental implants at the time of surgery was found to be associated with higher HRQOL scores related to appearance, eating and drinking, oral competence, and smile.