Application of a dental implant in a case of mandible reconstruction though a free vascularized fibular flap graft *
Extensive resections of the mandibular area create high risks of significant cosmetic and functional damage, and recovery from such damage is an essential factor in improving the QOL of patients. For a case in which mandibular necrosis supervened after the administration of superselective arterial injection chemotherapy concomitantly with radiation to the floor of the mouth for the treatment of mouth cancer, we performed a reconstruction of the lower jaw with transplantation of a vascularized fibular free-flap after resecting of the mandibular area. After surgery, due to occlusal and masticatory functional damage as well as cosmetic damage caused by inward roatation of the lower lip, we performed a prosthetic implant into the transplanted and reconstructed fibula to act as a support for the denture that had been created and put in place for this patient. This restored the occlusal function and achieved good cosmetic results. From these results, we concluded that dental implants are also useful for cases of reconstruction after a maxillary resection.（Accepted on April 23，2008)
