Maxillofacial restoration after tumor ablation.

Communication between the surgeon and the maxillofacial prosthodontist before, during, and after surgery is the most important aspect to successful prosthetic rehabilitation of the head and neck cancer patient. Surgeons should understand the problems and limitations involved in prosthetic rehabilitation so that the patient is adequately educated during rehabilitation. Osseointegrated implants, although an important advancement in this field, should not take the place of proper defect preparation. The use of implants in the irradiated patient is currently being evaluated by controlled studies. However, if implants are used, then their position and number should be carefully planned in the pretreatment phase. Preparation of the defect by skin grafting and controlling the position of the remaining structures is important to the overall aesthetic and functional result of the prosthesis.