Modern Maxillofacial Rehabilitation

Abstract

This chapter considers the face from the perspective of extraoral and intraoral reconstructive challenges for the maxillofacial team. Modern technology developed for dental rehabilitation in Sweden has been refined and applied to modern facial prosthetics, with 3D-guided immediate implant placement at the time of reconstructions. These rehabilitative options provide versatile choices for the maxillofacial team and improved functional and aesthetic outcome. The human face is unique to each individual and defines one’s identity. Although cancer control may outweigh cancer cure in many of the extreme and advanced head and neck cancer cases, patient expectations are justifiably enhanced by these new technologies. Historically and fundamentally, the principles of dentistry play a pivotal role, because proper anatomical occlusion is a key to normal facial morphology. This field of surgical endeavour is complex, and multidisciplinary skill sets are mandatory for safe practice, satisfactory clinical outcomes and reduction in the burdens for patients suffering from extreme facial cancer.