Kanchu Tei,, Kazuyo Kuribayashi, Mitsunobu Ono, Toshihiko Hayashi
Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
The final goal of mandibular reconstruction following segmental mandibulectomy is considered to be dental prosthetic rehabilitation. It is not clear the improvement on swallowing function by wearing denture. Six patients with mandibular reconstruction using osteocutaneous fibula free flap were included in this study covering period from 2007 to 2013. Swallowing function with or without denture was assessed in the video-fluoroscopic examination. The results suggest that wearing denture have a significant effect on swallowing function in the patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction.
