National survey on implantation practices for free bone flaps: Key findings and insights

Nineteen centers responded, highlighting diverse practices. While most centers perform over 20 free bone flap reconstructions annually, the number of patients receiving implants post-reconstruction was relatively low, with most centers reporting between one and five implant procedures in the past year. Key obstacles to implant rehabilitation included patient irradiation (61 %), lack of financial support (61 %), absence of a practitioner network (50 %), insufficiently trained team members (33 %), risk of oncological recurrence (28 %), extended operating times for primary implantations (22 %), and difficulties with radiological follow-up due to artifacts (17 %) CONCLUSION: Despite its potential to enhance patient quality of life, dental implant rehabilitation in oncological patients remains marginal in France. This study highlights the need for standardized protocols and improved collaboration between reconstructive surgeons and dental specialists to increase the rate of rehabilitation following free bone flap reconstructions.