Background: Mandibular bone resection cause extensive defects in bone, oral mucosa, muscles and teeth. Reconstruction of the maxillofacial region has been a challenge owing to the complexity of function and esthetics. The reconstruction of mandibular continuity defects following tumor resection with free bone flaps is considered to be a treatment option. Implants inserted into pediatric patients do not follow the regular growth process of the craniofacial skeleton, so their use is usually restricted to patients with completed craniofacial growth. However, when a mandibular discontinuity defect is reconstructed with a free bone flap, the width of the bony portion allows for the predictable placement of implants.

Objectives: The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the clinical status and the success rates of dental implants inserted in a free bone flap reconstruction following ablation of mandibular tumors in children of different ages.

Methods: We conducted a clinical follow-up study based on three pediatrics patients after oral tumor surgery, who recieved big free bone flaps and endosseous implants for functional jaw reconstruction. Information of treatment modalities and protheses was also collected and presented on this clinical review.

Results: In general, a high primary stability for implants placed into the free bone flap was achieved. Implants placed in free bone grafts were shown to integrate normally. The implants were functionally loaded and resulted in a high patient satisfaction.

Conclusions: Free bone flaps provide a firm basis for the placement of dental implants in jaw reconstruction in pediatric patients. This review shows a gold standard treatment with functional and esthetics results for pediatrics patients.

Conflict of interest: None declared.