The convergence of digital dentistry, advanced digital workflows, and surgical innovation has significantly transformed the landscape of maxillofacial and head and neck reconstruction. This integration enhances preoperative planning, precision in surgical execution, and postoperative outcomes through a patient-specific, multidisciplinary approach.
1. Digital Imaging and Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP)
At the core of this integration is high-resolution imaging—CBCT, multi-slice CT, and MRI—which forms the basis for virtual surgical planning (VSP). VSP allows clinicians to digitally simulate tumor resection, osteotomies, and reconstructive strategies. This is particularly vital in complex oncologic resections where functional and aesthetic restoration is paramount (Roser et al., 2010; Zweifel et al., 2021).
2. CAD/CAM and Custom Surgical Guides
Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies enable the fabrication of patient-specific surgical guides, plates, and implants. These tools translate virtual plans into precise intraoperative actions, improving accuracy in bony reconstructions (e.g., mandibular continuity defects) and reducing operative time. In maxillofacial oncology, this is often applied in fibula free flap reconstructions, orbital floor reconstructions, and orthognathic surgery (Mazzoni et al., 2015; Zweifel et al., 2021).
3. Intraoral Scanning and Digital Prosthodontics
Digital intraoral scanners and prosthetic planning software allow prosthodontists to capture accurate soft tissue and occlusal data. This information feeds into surgical planning for implant placement, obturator design, or immediate loading protocols. In head and neck cancer patients, this is particularly useful in early rehabilitation planning, including speech and mastication (Joda et al., 2019).
4. 3D Printing and Biofabrication
Three-dimensional printing supports the rapid prototyping of surgical models, enabling simulation and team-based rehearsals prior to surgery. Emerging applications include bioprinting of tissue scaffolds and hybrid constructs for defect-specific reconstruction, though still largely experimental (Mazzoni et al., 2015; Rendenbach et al., 2019).
5. Implantology and Navigation-Guided Surgery
Integration with digital dentistry extends into implantology, with static and dynamic guided surgery systems facilitating optimal implant positioning, especially when coordinated with reconstructive surgical plans. In oncology, the coordination of ablative and reconstructive phases—including zygomatic or pterygoid implants—is increasingly digitalized for simultaneous placement (Chi et al., 2022).
6. Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Workflow Efficiency
These technologies promote a seamless interdisciplinary workflow between surgeons, prosthodontists, radiologists, and engineers. The digital environment fosters early decision-making, enhanced surgical precision, and faster rehabilitation timelines, thus improving quality of life for patients undergoing extensive head and neck surgery.
Key Benefits
• Improved surgical accuracy and predictability
• Reduced operative time and intraoperative error
• Early integration of functional prosthodontic rehabilitation
• Personalized, patient-specific reconstructions
• Enhanced aesthetic and functional outcomes
