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Information on Jaw Replacement Surgery

09/21/2006

Question:

Hi. My father has oral cancer and his left jaw was removed. Currently cancer is detected in the skin on the right side. Doctors recommend removing the jaw. I am wondering what the new advance jaw replacement surgeries are and how successful they are?

Answer:

Jaw replacement actually refers to jaw reconstruction and can be quite complex and challenging depending upon what is needed.

This can be accomplished in many different ways, ranging from use of artificial implants made out of metal like titanium, bone grafting, or transplanting living bone from another part of the body (i.e. lower leg or hip region) to rebuild the jaw, or a combination of these.

Success really depends upon how much needs to be reconstructed and the methods used, as well as the overall health of the patient since the most complex surgeries can take many hours (8-14 hours).

These types of reconstructions are usually carried out by reconstructive surgeons in the field of Otolaryngology (ENT), Plastic surgery, and/or Oral surgeons.

For more information:

Go to the Oral Cancer health topic.