Impact of post-resection maxillofacial defects on outcomes of 3D-printed prosthetic rehabilitation in oral cancer patients: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION: Oral cancer patients undergoing surgical resection often develop extensive maxillofacial defects that compromise function, aesthetics, and quality of life. Three-dimensional (3D) printing has enabled the development of customized, patient-specific prostheses, offering improved precision in rehabilitation. However, the extent to which defect type and location influence prosthetic outcomes remains inadequately synthesized in the current literature. OBJECTIVE: To map and synthesize the available evidence on the impact of type of maxillofacial defect on outcomes of 3D-printed prostheses in oral cancer patients. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review will include studies involving oral cancer patients with surgically acquired maxillofacial defects rehabilitated using a 3D-printed prosthesis. Studies involving intraoral and extraoral defects that report functional, clinical, prosthetic, or aesthetic outcomes of 3D-printed prostheses will be included. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search will be conducted across databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library using relevant keywords. Two independent reviewers will perform study selection through title/abstract screening followed by full-text review. Data will be extracted using a structured template recording the study characteristics, surgical defect characteristics, prosthetic rehabilitation details, and outcome measures. Findings will be synthesized descriptively and presented in tabular and narrative formats to identify the research gaps. The review will be conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. REVIEW REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/C8STU.