Reconstruction basics: grafts and flaps
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery · Dental (BDS)
Study notes
A jaw segment is removed for cancer. Why use a fibula free flap instead of a bone graft? The defect is large and irradiated tissue heals poorly - a free fibula flap brings its own blood supply (microvascular anastomosis), so living bone heals where a graft would die. Students learn the reconstruction ladder: primary closure, graft, local flap, free flap - climb only as high as the defect demands, because each rung adds complexity.
Related topics
- Exodontia: indications, techniques, forceps and elevators
- Exodontia complications: dry socket, fracture, displacement
- Local anesthesia: techniques, nerve blocks — IAN, PSA, infraorbital
- Local anesthesia complications and management
- Impacted teeth: third molars — classification, surgical removal
- Impacted canines and supernumerary teeth management