Dental implant placement in cancer patients after jaw resection and reconstruction: evaluation of optimal timing and factors influencing implant survival. A systematic review

Objective: to evaluate the optimal timing of dental implant placement in cancer patients after jaw resection and reconstruction and to identify factors influencing their survival.

Material and Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science databases, including original articles published since 2000 evaluating dental implantation in cancer patients with head and neck tumors, who underwent jaw reconstruction using free vascularized bone flaps. The primary endpoint of this systematic review was dental implant survival in cancer patients. The secondary endpoint was the effectiveness of prosthetic rehabilitation, including the feasibility and success of functional prosthetic restoration. The initial database search identified 554 scientific studies, of which 23 were included in the final analysis.

Results. Based on the analysis of the eligible studies, the survival rate of dental implants in cancer patients who underwent jaw reconstruction using bone flaps varied widely, ranging from 44 % to 100 %. Moreover, nearly all studies demonstrated reduced dental implant survival in patients who had received radiotherapy.

Conclusion. An analysis of the literature showed that dental implantation in cancer patients who underwent jaw resection and reconstruction is a clinically justified and potentially successful method of rehabilitation. The survival rate of implants can vary widely, with prior radiotherapy appearing to be the most influential factor.

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