Oral findings and treatment of patients with face transplants in Helsinki

•Patient selection is crucial in avoiding post face transplantation complications•To avoid complications, donors’ oral health should be examined•We were able to successfully place dental implants in transplanted jaws•To ensure function of parotid glands, papilla position must be noted during surgery...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology, 2021-07, Vol.132 (1), p.44-51
Main Authors: Norrman, Annika, Nylund, Karita, Ruokonen, Hellevi, Mauno, Jari, Mesimäki, Karri, Haapaniemi, Aaro, Lassus, Patrik, Helenius-Hietala, Jaana
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Dentistry
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:•Patient selection is crucial in avoiding post face transplantation complications•To avoid complications, donors’ oral health should be examined•We were able to successfully place dental implants in transplanted jaws•To ensure function of parotid glands, papilla position must be noted during surgery•Preventive measures are key due to dry mouth and the related risk for oral diseases Oral health and balanced occlusion are important aspects of a well-functioning face transplant. This study describes the oral and dental status, dental management, and sialoendoscopy of the first 2 patients in Helsinki who underwent face transplantations. Two patients received near-full face transplantations in 2016 and 2018, respectively. The transplanted tissues included a Le Fort type II maxilla, angle-to-angle mandible, all oral mucosa, ventral tongue tissue, and the muscles of the floor of the mouth. Comprehensive oral examinations and all required dental treatment, including follow-up examinations, were performed for both patients after the transplantations. Both patients rehabilitated well, and their quality of life improved. Stable, functioning dentition and occlusion were achieved for both patients. Hyposalivation and dental caries were issues for both patients. Patient 1 also experienced infections in the jaws. Implants were placed in the transplanted jaws of patient 2 with successful osseointegration. We report successful tooth-bearing face transplantations in 2 patients. Patient selection, particularly regarding oral health, is crucial in avoiding posttransplantation complications. Moreover, the oral and dental status of the donor should be examined by a dentist before transplantation, and regular follow-up dental examinations should be performed after transplantation.
ISSN:2212-4403
2212-4411
DOI:10.1016/j.oooo.2021.01.006