Resezioni oncologiche del terzo medio e inferiore del viso: il ruolo dell’odontoiatra nella restituzione di funzione e qualità di vita

This case series describes the signi!cant role of the dentist and oral surgeon in the management of
patients undergoing head and neck oncologic resections, applying prosthetic and implant expertise to
the restoration of function and quality of life in oncologic patients. Anatomical alterations resulting from
ablative surgery compromise mastication, speech, swallowing, and facial aesthetics, and surgical re-
construction alone, although necessary and bene!cial, does not always ensure adequate restoration
of oral functions and overall quality of life. In this context, prosthetic and implant competencies allow
oral rehabilitation to be less dependent on the anatomical alterations caused by ablative and recon-
structive surgery, providing stable anchorage even in complex anatomical conditions and, in selected
cases, reducing treatment time and overall surgical invasiveness. This work presents four clinical
cases of patients treated after oncologic maxillary resections using different rehabilitative strategies
according to defect extent, systemic conditions, and oncologic prognosis, highlighting the importance
of a multidisciplinary pathway in integrating oncologic effectiveness, functional recovery, and improve-
ment in quality of life.