Soft Tissue Enhancement and Implant Placement Following Partial Mandibulectomy Due to Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Many dental procedures allow for implant placement in partially or totally edentulous patients. Despite the availability of various implant and abutment types on the market, it often becomes quite challenging to achieve the biological and esthetic goals in a patient who has ridge deficiencies. Problems arise from the lack of adequate bone quality and quantity.1,2 Soft tissue form and maintenance is also a consideration to evaluate.3 Primary reconstructive techniques following segmental mandibulectomy is evolving and improves quality of life. A seldom encountered complication is the discovery and treatment of a malignant process (for example, squamous cell carcinoma). Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies worldwide and accounts for more than 90% of all oral cancers.4 It is ranked as the sixth leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The most common sites of OSCC are the lateral ventral surface of the tongue, the floor of the mouth and buccal mucosa. For most oral cavity cancers, surgery is the initial treatment of choice (often involving the full or partial removal of bony jaw structure).5 Radiation or chemoradiation is added postoperatively if disease is more advanced or has high-risk features. Successful cancer therapy can affect the quantity and quality of soft tissue in areas where implants are planned, thus affecting the initial placement and the long-term success of the implants. Complications can be numerous; especially difficult is implant treatment in the mandibular anterior area where inadequate alveolar height results in the lingual floor and the vestibule becoming contiguous.6 Further complicating treatment is the presence of scar tissue (often found following cancer surgery and radiotherapy). The present case is a report of the combination of a soft tissue enhancement and implant placement following partial mandibulectomy resulting from the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma. A video abstract is available for viewing at https://youtu.be/dZ9t3j4ufOc?list=PLvRxNhB9EJqbqjcYMbwKbwi8Xpbb0YuHI.