The role of bone ring technique for bone augmentation in implant surgery: A Narrative Review.

Bone grafting with simultaneous implant placement using the novel bone ring technique was a procedure introduced with the intention of three-dimensional bone augmentation with simultaneous implant placement in both maxilla and mandible. A ring-shaped bone is placed in the socket, which is secured by an implant placed through the ring. The current narrative review was planned to provide a concise summary of the core concepts surrounding bone augmentation, to provide context for understanding the bone ring technique, and to highlight the basics of bone grafting and the origin of the technique to its advancement and its importance in the light of current literature.

Alveolar Ridge Preservation With Fibro-Gide or Connective Tissue Graft: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Soft and Hard Tissue Changes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel biomaterial (FG) for alveolar ridge preservation compared to CTG in terms of soft tissue thickness and bone dimensional changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 30 patients who required extraction of 30 hopeless mandibular posterior teeth. All patients went through atraumatic tooth extraction, and then, they were randomly allocated to either a CTG, an FG, or a spontaneous healing (SH) group (1:1:1). All patients received a dental implant placed 6 months postoperatively. The soft tissue thickness and bone dimensional changes were measured before and 6 months after the procedure. RESULTS: The study's analysis revealed statistically significant differences in buccal gingival thickness and dimensional bone changes across the three examined groups after 6 months (p < 0.05). The SH group had lower gingival thickness (1.31 ± 0.65 mm) and higher vertical resorption (-1.46 ± 1.67 mm at the buccal aspect) compared with the CTG and FG groups. The CTG and FG groups had similar gingival thickness (2.42 ± 0.70 and 3.00 ± 0.71 mm, respectively) and bone width reduction (+0.86 ± 2.31 and +0.93 ± 2.38 mm, respectively), whereas the CTG group had lower vertical bone loss (-0.30 ± 1.09 mm at the buccal aspect) than the FG group (-0.47 ± 2.30 mm at the buccal aspect). CONCLUSION: FG and CTG demonstrate equivalent soft tissue thickness and comparable horizontal bone dimension outcomes in ARP.

Does mandibular advancement ortho-surgical procedure cause condyle changes? A case-series analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Mandibular advancement surgery corrects bone bases while establishing patients' functional and aesthetic rehabilitation. However, little is known about the results of this procedure in the structures that make up the stomatognathic system, as the condyles. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the structural and positional changes of mandibular condyles in ortho-surgical patients who underwent mandibular advancement surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective investigation was conducted with cone-beam computed tomography images. Using Dolphin Imaging® software, seven ortho-surgical patients with Angle Class II malocclusion and mandibular deficiency were evaluated. The images assessed were obtained at pre-surgical phase and after, at least, 1 year of the procedure. To study the structural and positional changes of condyles, linear and angular measurements were obtained, and the right and left sides of patients were compared. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed and, in order to verify possible significant differences, normality tests (Kolmogorov-Smirnov) were applied, followed by a paired t-test to define significance. RESULTS: For all measures evaluated in this study, no statistically significant differences were found. CONCLUSION: The ortho-surgical procedure performed did not change the structure and position of the condyles of patients who underwent surgical mandibular advancement. Right and left mandibular condyles behaved similarly, suggesting stability and condylar adaptation after surgery.

Comparison of perceived masticatory ability in completely edentulous patients treated with thermoplastic complete denture versus single implant-retained mandibular overdenture: a single-center prospective observational study.

Background: This study aimed to compare the perceived masticatory ability (PrMA) in completely edentulous patients (EDPs) with thermoplastic conventional complete dentures (CDs) versus single implant-retained mandibular overdentures. Methods: The current study was conducted in the outpatient Prosthodontic Clinic, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. PrMA was evaluated in 45 completely edentulous patients (46% males, mean age 50.4 ± 4.7 years). Each patient received a thermoplastic PMMA complete denture (Polyan IC TM Bredent GmbH & Co.KG, Germany). The PrMA was evaluated at one-month and six-month intervals of denture use. An immediate loading single implant was placed into the mid-symphyseal for each patient, and the denture was adjusted. Subsequently, the PrMA was reevaluated after one month and six months. The data were collected and statistically analyzed using the SPSS@V25 to assess the changes in PrMA. Results: The PrMA demonstrated improvement after six months of thermoplastic conventional denture use. However, this improvement was not statistically significant (p = 0.405). In addition, the PrMA showed a substantial increase following a single implant placement at one and six months (p < 0.001) of the overdenture use compared to the conventional denture. The PrMA insignificantly improved (p = 0.397) after six months of the single implant retained overdenture use. Discussion: The study's findings indicate that using immediate loading single implant-retained mandibular overdentures significantly improved PrMA in completely edentulous patients.

Effectiveness of bone plate reduction combined with resorbable plate fixation in the treatment of large mandibular cysts.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to observe the clinical effect of bone plate reduction in combination with a resorbable plate on large mandibular cysts. METHODS: Between October 2017 and September 2022, patients with large mandibular cysts in the presence of labial and buccal cortical bone were involved in the study. Intraoral approach was performed for bone plate reduction. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan was reviewed at 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively to observe postoperative complications. Osteogenic results were assessed at these times to determine the clinical outcomes of this procedure. RESULTS: Eleven cases with large mandibular cysts in the presence of cortical bone were evaluated. The average thickness of the cortical bone on the labial and buccal sides was measured to be about (1.98±0.37) mm before surgery, with a mean value of (0.73±0.17) mm at the thinnest part of the plate and up to 0.51 mm at the thinnest part of the plate. The cystic cavities were well revealed during the surgeries, which were completed successfully. Postoperatively, the wounds healed in one stage without infection. The percentages of cyst shrinkage were 20.01%, 41.76%, and 73.41% at 3, 6, and 9 months after surgery, respectively. Quantitative measurement of bone mineral density in the jaws by CBCT with MIMICS software. The bone mineral densities of the adult bone were 313.78, 555.85, and 657.45 HU at the 3, 6, and 9 month time intervals, respectively. No significant change in the patient's maxillofacial appearance were observed from the preoperative period as assessed by the patient's and observer's visual analog scale. CONCLUSIONS: Bone plate reduction is an effective treatment for large mandibular cysts of the oral and maxillofacial region with the presence of cortical bone.

Brass wire ligation for treatment of the ectopic eruption of the mandibular second molar: a case report.

Ectopic eruption of the second permanent molar is a tooth replacement disorder during adolescence. If not treated in time, it can cause hard tissue of the adjacent first molar resorption, early tooth loss, decreased chewing efficiency, and other serious malocclusions. Timely detection and treatment of ectopic eruption of the second permanent molar are of great significance in preventing malocclusions in adolescents and establishing normal occlusion relationships. However, current case reports on the ectopic eruption of the mandibular second molar are relatively rare and are mostly concentrated on surgical and orthodontic treatments, and long-term follow-up is lacking. This paper reports a case in which brass wire ligation was used to treat ectopic eruption of the mandibular second permanent molar, allowing the permanent teeth to erupt smoothly and establish a normal occlusion. The patient was observed for five years after the operation. The occlusion was stable, and the tooth root development, pulp vitality, and periodontal conditions were normal. This paper provides a clinical approach that is short in treatment duration, simple, and minimally invasive for young mandibular second permanent molars with moderate mesial inclination and partial eruption. This method is of importance in helping children establish physiological occlusion.

Optimal tooth sectioning using a surgical handpiece and elevator: a finite element study of horizontally deeply impacted mandibular third molars.

OBJECTIVES: To conduct a finite element analysis of the impact of different variables on tooth sectioning efficiency and trauma to surrounding tissues when utilizing high-speed surgical handpieces and elevators. METHODS: CBCT data from the horizontally impacted third mandibular molar (M3M) of a patient were utilized to establish digital models of the M3M, adjacent M2M, and surrounding bone. To simulate tooth sectioning, a 3D finite element model was established with the following variables: remaining tooth tissue thickness (1-5 mm), tooth section fissure width (1-3 mm), elevator depth in fissure (2-6 mm), elevator position (buccal, lingual, central), elevator width (2-5 mm), and application of force (rotating, levering). Using this model, the distribution of stress on the M3M and the surrounding tissue was assessed while measuring tooth sectioning efficiency and trauma to the surrounding tissue. RESULTS: Factors associated with uniform stress at the site of sectioning included thin (≤ 3 mm) remaining tooth tissue, appropriate fissure width (~ 2 mm), a wide (≥ 4 mm) elevator, and central elevator positioning. Levering the elevator yielded greater stress on the M3M than rotating force. Greater sectioning efficiency was associated with increased stress placed on the distobuccal side of M2M. CONCLUSIONS: Tooth sectioning efficiency can be improved by adjusting the high-speed surgical handpiece and elevator. However, it is important to remain attentive to the trauma to which adjacent teeth are exposed during this process. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These results offer guidance for approaches to improving operator efficiency and reducing trauma to surrounding tissues during tooth sectioning.

A three-dimensional quantitative assessment on bony growth and symmetrical recovery of mandible after decompression for unicystic ameloblastoma.

Unicystic ameloblastoma (UAM) of the jaw can be effectively reduced in volume through decompression, which promotes bone regeneration and restores jaw symmetry. This study quantitatively evaluated changes in mandible volume and symmetry following decompression of mandibular UAM. This study included 17 patients who underwent surgical decompression followed by second-stage curettage for mandibular UAM. Preoperative and postoperative three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) images were collected. Bone volume and the area of cortical perforation were measured to assess bone growth during decompression. Mandibular volumetric symmetry was analyzed by calculating the volumetric ratio of the two sides of the mandible. Twelve pairs of landmarks were identified on the surface of the lesion regions, and their coordinates were used to calculate the mean asymmetry index (AI) of the mandible. Paired t-tests and the Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis, with p < 0.05 considered indicative of statistical significance. The mean duration of decompression was 9.41 ± 3.28 months. The mean bone volume increased by 8.07 ± 2.41%, and cortical perforation recovery was 71.97 ± 14.99%. The volumetric symmetry of the mandible improved significantly (p < 0.05), and a statistically significant decrease in AI was observed (p < 0.05). In conclusion, UAM decompression enhances bone growth and symmetry recovery of the mandible. The present evaluation technique is clinically useful for quantitatively assessing mandibular asymmetry.

[Harvesting of autologous bone graft for the mandible: from the hip or the jaw?] / Oogsten van autologe botgraft voor de mandibula: uit heup of kaak?

A 61-year-old edentulous patient presented with dental problems. Examination revealed a very narrow alveolar process in the symphysis area of the chin, with moderate vertical resorption. The decision was made for bone augmentation by means of harvesting an autologous bone graft from the alveolar process. This method can be carried out in an outpatient or day surgery unit and is much more cost effective and less invasive than harvesting an autologous bone graft from the hip area.

[Effects of cortical bone thickness and jaw bone density on pain during implant surgery].

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of different cortical bone thickness and jaw bone density at implant sites on intraoperative pain during implant surgery. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-seven patients(263 implant sites) who underwent implant placement surgery at the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from August 2021 to August 2022 were selected to investigate the effects of different cortical bone thickness and jaw bone density HU values at implant sites on the anesthetic effect under local infiltration anesthesia with epinephrine in articaine. SPSS 26.0 software package was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The mean cortical bone thickness at the painful sites[(3.90±1.36) mm] was significantly greater than that at the non-painful sites [(2.24±0.66) mm], and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05). The differences in cortical bone thickness in the mandibular anterior, premolar, and molar regions were statistically significant in the comparison of pain and non-pain sites. The mean HU value of bone density was (764.46±239.75) for the painful sites and (612.23±235.31) for the non-painful sites, with significant difference(P＜0.05). The difference was not significant(P＞0.05) when comparing the HU values of painful sites with non-painful sites in the mandibular anterior teeth and anterior molar region, while the difference was significant(P＜0.05) when comparing the HU values of painful sites with non-painful sites in the mandibular molar region. CONCLUSIONS: Sites with large cortical bone thickness have a greater effect on blocking infiltrative anesthetic penetration and are more prone to intraoperative pain during implantation. In the mandibular anterior and premolar regions, the HU value of the implant sites had less effect on infiltrative anesthetic penetration, and the effect was greater in the mandibular molar region, and the implant sites with high HU values in the mandibular molar region were more likely to have intraoperative pain. When the cortical bone thickness in the planned implant site is greater than 3.9 mm and the mean bone density in the mandibular molar region is greater than 665 HU. If there is sufficient safe distance for hole operation, it is recommended to apply mandibular nerve block anesthesia combined with articaine infiltration anesthesia to avoid intraoperative pain and bad surgical experience for the patients.

Immediate Implant Placement with Different Interradicular Osteotomies in the Mandible: A Randomized Clinical Study.

AIM: To assess the implant stability and amount of marginal bone loss in immediate implant placement (IIP) in mandibular molars by using pre-extractive interradicular implant bed preparation vs conventional post-extractive interradicular implant bed preparation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on fourteen patients who had an immediate dental implant at the mandibular molar area by two different techniques. All patients were divided randomly into two equal groups: Group I (control) was treated with conventional post-extractive interradicular implant bed preparation, and group II (test) was treated by pre-extractive interradicular implant bed preparation All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon. All patients were followed up clinically at immediate post-surgery (T0), 7 days (T1), 3 weeks (T2), 90 days (T3), and 3 months after loading (T6) for healing and to evaluate the marginal bone loss radiographically at T0, T3 and T6. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed using the SPSS version (SPSS, IBM Inc., Chicago, IL), and p ≤ 0.05 was considered an indicator of statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 7 female and 7 male patients with a mean age of 32.07 ± 5.87 years. Radiographically, there is no significant statistical difference in comparing between two groups for the marginal bone loss. However, there was a highly significant statistical difference (p < 0.001) in each group between different interval periods (T0, T3, T6) with mean start 5.27 ± 0.53, and 5.19 ± 0.72 at (T0) reaching 7.60 ± 0.89 and 7.09 ± 0.96 at (T3) and slightly decrease of 7.52 ± 0.79 and 7.02 ± 0.79 in (T6) with radiographic evaluation, and it represented clinically in each group with mean 3.57 ± 0.313 and 4.0 ± 0.58 at (T0) increase to 6.55 ± 0.395 and 6.52 ± 0.45 at (T6) for both group respectively. There is no statistically significant difference in soft tissue healing with an average mean of 4.57 ± 0.24 and 3.57 ± 0.509 (p = 0.001) when comparing between both groups respectively. CONCLUSION: Both techniques seem useful for dental implant placement in badly decayed mandibular molars. However, pre-extracted interradicular implant bed preparation for IIP might offer advantages in terms of primary implant stability and bone preservation. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Both techniques are alternative methods for the treatment of badly decayed mandibular molars by immediate dental implant except for minor complications that do not interfere with dental implant placement. How to cite this article: Alzaibak LMA, Abdel-Monem TM, Elgohary NM, et al. Immediate Implant Placement with Different Interradicular Osteotomies in the Mandible: A Randomized Clinical Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(4):303-312.

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis in children with Pierre Robin sequence: long-term analysis of teeth and jaw growth.

Treatment of children with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) having a hypoplastic mandible and upper airway distress after birth may consist of external distraction devices. Shape anomalies of the permanent molars and positional changes due to surgery have been documented. The aim of this study is to compare the long-term effects (>5 years) on the growth pattern of PRS-patients treated with an external mandibular distraction device with no-surgery cases and to investigate the dental development or damage. A retrospective cohort study was performed. PRS-patients with and without surgery were included. A digital cephalometric analysis was made to evaluate the growth pattern of the mandible between groups as well as with normal values. Nine of 19 patients underwent an external mandibular distraction. All children were extubated after 4-5 days with no signs of respiratory distress. Screw and device loosening presented in one patient. The articular and sellar angles were significantly larger and smaller, respectively, in the Surgery group. Mandibular distraction surgery might result in a 'growth boost' compared to the No-surgery group. No significant difference in dental development was found. Mandibular distraction osteogenesis is an effective way of relieving severe upper airway obstruction.

Evaluation of the resection plane three-dimensional positional accuracy using a resection guide directional guidance slot; a randomized clinical trial.

AIM: The study was performed to compare the mandibular resection guide with a directional guidance slot with the conventional guide regarding three-dimensional positional accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with lateral segmental mandibular defects were selected, and randomly allocated into two groups. All defects were managed with preoperative virtual surgical planning. Resection in the test group was conducted using a resection guide with a directional guidance slot, while a conventional resection guide design was utilized in the control group. The linear and angular deviation of the osteotomy planes was analyzed for both groups, along with the accuracy of the insertion of the reconstruction bone block in the resected defect. Data were documented, absolute deviation was calculated, statistical analysis was performed and significance was set at the 5% level. RESULTS: The cases conducted with a directional guidance templet reported a statistically significant difference when compared to the conventional edge-cutting guide regarding the linear and angular spatial osteotomy plane position (P < 0.001). The defect span analysis reported excellent levels of agreement in both groups (ICC = 1.00, ICC = 0.995), however, the difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated the enhanced positional accuracy of the resection plane and reconstruction block placement when a directional slot is incorporated in the computer-generated resection guide.

Double vertical interrupted suture for optimal adaptation and stabilization of free gingival graft around dental implants: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Free gingival graft is commonly used to augment the keratinized mucosa and vestibular depth around dental implants. The proper suturing technique is fundamental to achieve a successful result following free gingival graft. However, there are limited studies that focus on the details of the suturing methods to optimize graft adaptation. The purpose of this technical note is to describe a new suturing technique for optimal approximation and stabilization of free gingival graft around dental implants. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we present a 53-year-old Persian female with peri-implantitis and lack of keratinized mucosa around mandibular implants who was a candidate for free gingival graft. A new suturing technique, double vertical interrupted suture, was conducted in the interimplant areas. In addition, the suspensory cross-mattress sutures were added to ensure the adaptation of the graft over the implants. The proposed suturing technique is useful for soft tissue augmentation around multiple implants with concave or uneven recipient bed. CONCLUSION: The present article describes a novel suturing technique for good adaptation and fixation of free gingival graft around dental implants.

Effect of vertical implant position on marginal bone loss: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: One of the most important factors that has influence on dental implants success rate is marginal bone loss. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the implant's vertical position and the soft tissue's thickness on the rate of marginal bone loss of the dental implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-blind randomized clinical trial study, 56 implants placed in the posterior region of mandible of 33 patients (19 women, 14 men) were divided into two groups. The group of crestal (28 implants) and subcrestal (28 implants) implants, each group was divided into two sub-groups with soft tissue thickness of 2 mm and less than 2 mm (14 implants) and more than 2 mm (14 implants). The amount of marginal bone loss was measured by Scanora 5.2 program with radiographs Digital parallelism based on the effect of the vertical position of the implant, soft tissue thickness, three months after placement, and three months after loading implants (six months after implant placement). RESULTS: The results showed that marginal bone loss in subcrestal implants is significantly more than crestal implants (p-value = 0.001), and also marginal bone loss in the soft tissue thickness group of 2 mm and less is significantly more than the group of soft tissue thickness more than 2 mm (p-value < 0.001). The amount of marginal bone loss three months after implant loading was significantly higher than three months after implant placement (p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The implant's vertical position and the soft tissue's thickness around the implant are effective factors in the amount of marginal bone loss. Marginal bone loss is more in subcrestal implants and in cases with less soft tissue thickness. The time factor significantly affects the amount of marginal bone loss. TRIAL REGISTRATION: this clinical trial was registered at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, registration number IRCT20120215009014N415, registration date 20,220,110, (https//en.irct.ir/trial/60,991).

Analysis of the atrophic mandible rehabilitated with fixed total prosthesis on mono or bicortical implants.

Rehabilitation of edentulous atrophic mandibles involves the placement of implants in the anterior segment of the mandible. The primary stability of these implants can be improved using the base of the mandible as complementary anchorage (bicorticalization). This study aimed to analyze the biomechanics of atrophic mandibles rehabilitated with monocortical or bicortical implants. Two three-dimensional virtual models of edentulous mandibles with severe atrophy were prepared. Four monocortical implants were placed in one model (McMM), and four bicortical implants were placed in the other (BcMM). An implant-supported total prosthesis was prepared for each model. Then, a total axial load of 600 N was applied to the posterior teeth, and its effects on the models were analyzed using finite element analysis. The highest compressive stresses were concentrated in the cervical region of the implants in the McMM (-32.562 Mpa); in the BcMM, compressive stresses were distributed in the upper and lower cortex of the mandible, with increased compressive stresses at the distal implants (-63.792 Mpa). Thus, we conclude that axial loading forces are more uniformly distributed in the peri-implant bone when using monocortical implants and concentrated in the apical and cervical regions of the peri-implant bone when using bicortical implants.

Maxillomandibular Fusion Along with Fusion of Dorsal Surface of the Tongue to the Hard Palate-A Case Report.

RATIONALE: This case report presents a rare combination of congenital anomalies in an otherwise healthy male infant born at 36 weeks. The infant was diagnosed with congenital maxillomandibular synechia, ectrodactyly, and ankyloglossia superior syndrome (ASS). PATIENT CONCERNS: Inability to open the mouth completely, feeding challenges, and a cleft palate. The infant was stabilized through successful positive pressure ventilation via a face mask at birth and enteral feeding was initiated via a feeding gastrostomy. EXAMINATION: Diagnostic tests revealed a midline palatal cleft, hypoplastic jaws, persistent metopic suture, and a bony fusion at the midline. TREATMENT: Sectioning of the bony spur along the midline and achieving a mouth opening of 2 cm post-manipulation. The patient is under follow-up, with future treatment plans including cleft palate correction at 12 months and potential frontomandibular and lower jaw advancement depending on growth trajectories. TAKEAWAY LESSONS: This case underscores the complexity of managing multiple congenital anomalies and the need for individualized treatment plans.

Combined Periodontal-Orthodontic Treatment with Periodontal Corticotomy Regenerative Surgery in an Adult Patient Suffering from Periodontitis and Skeletal Class II Malocclusion: A Case Report with 5-Year Longitudinal Observation.

A thick periodontal phenotype with thick gingiva and alveolar bone volume is required for safe orthodontic tooth movement and long-term stability. A high incidence of dehiscence and fenestration in the labial aspect of mandibular anterior teeth may limit the correction of deformity and orthodontic treatment, especially when the lower anterior teeth are needed to have a large range of movement. This study reports a combination of periodontal therapy and orthodontic therapy with periodontal corticotomy regenerative surgery (PCRS) in a 25-year-old patient suffering from skeletal Class II malocclusion and periodontitis. The patient received periodontal therapy 5 years ago and commenced orthodontic treatment 4.5 years ago. During the 4 years of follow-up for PCRS, the clinical and radiographic evaluations revealed significant improvements in the periodontal phenotype of the mandibular anterior region. The periodontal phenotypes in the mandibular incisors region were all modified from thin to thick. Supplementing orthodontic treatment with labial PCRS could be a promising treatment strategy to maintain long-term periodontal health in adult patients with alveolar deficiency and thin gingiva tissue.

Division versus de-epithelialization of fibula osteocutaneous flap for composite oromandibular defects: A propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Different fibula osteocutaneous free flap (FOCFF) configurations have been described with a double-skin paddle (DSP) to address composite through-and-through oromandibular defects: division of the skin paddle using different perforators (div-FOCFF) or a de-epithelialized DSP FOCFF (deEpi-FOCFF). This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes using these two methods (deEpi-FOCFF/div-FOCFF). METHODS: Patients who underwent segmental mandibulectomy and reconstruction with a DSP FOCFF between 2011 and 2014 were included. We compared postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing reconstruction with deEpi-FOCFF versus div-FOCFF implementing propensity score matching. RESULTS: Of the 245 patients, 156 cases (78 pairs) were 1:1 matched. Demographic and oncologic variables were comparable between groups. The average age was 57.68 years. A higher number of perforators per flap was evident in the div-FOCFF group (p < 0.001). The deEpi-FOCFF group exhibited a higher total flap loss rate when compared to the div-FOCFF group (15 % versus 5 % p = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, number of perforators per flap (OR 0.31, p = 0.02), using the deEpi-FOCFF (OR 3.88, p = 0.03), and an increased reconstructive time (OR 1.01, p = 0.01) independently affected the likelihood of free flap failure. CONCLUSION: If the number and location of perforators are optimal, div-FOCFF improves reconstructive outcomes for composite oromandibular defects versus the deEpi-FOCFF.