Preresection application of reconstruction plates for temporary mandibular reconstruction

Small and medium-sized benign mandibular tumors such as ameloblastoma, odontogenic myxoma, and odontogenic keratocysts are generally resected intraorally when possible. This leaves extraoral soft tissues at the future recipient site untouched and simplifies dissection during delayed mandibular reconstruction. Superior results can be anticipated because of better blood supply and less scar tissue. In such cases, temporary reconstruction of the mandibular continuity defect resulting from the ablative tumor surgery with a reconstruction plate can preserve both normal facial contour and oral functions. The plate bridges the gap temporarily to maintain the mandibular segments in correct position and favors repair of the soft tissue. This article presents a modified application technique for the three-dimensional, bendable reconstruction plate (3-DBRP) after intraoral resection of benign mandibular tumors.