Abstract
Mandibular resection surgery, commonly performed due to oral cancer or trauma, leads to significant functional and aesthetic challenges. Dental implants are commonly used to restore function, but the optimal timing for implant placement (immediate vs. delayed) after mandibular resection remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the functional outcomes of immediate versus delayed dental implant placement in patients following mandibular resection surgery. The study aims to assess and compare the implant survival rates, masticatory function, speech function, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and patient satisfaction between immediate and delayed dental implant placement after mandibular resection. A prospective cohort study was conducted with 60 patients undergoing mandibular resection surgery. Participants were randomly assigned to either the immediate implant placement group (Group I) or the delayed implant placement group (Group II). Data were collected at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months’ post-surgery. Implant survival, masticatory function, speech, OHRQoL, and patient satisfaction were measured using objective assessments and self-reported questionnaires. Statistical analyses included Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, multiple linear regression, Pearson’s correlation, and ANCOVA. The immediate implant placement group exhibited higher initial implant success (90%) compared to the delayed placement group (85%). However, the delayed group showed superior long-term implant survival and fewer complications. Masticatory function and speech were significantly better in the delayed group after 12 months, as was OHRQoL, with patients reporting better outcomes in psychological well-being and social interaction. The delayed group also had higher patient satisfaction scores in all categories. Delayed implant placement yielded better long-term outcomes in terms of implant survival, masticatory function, speech, OHRQoL, and patient satisfaction compared to immediate placement. These findings suggest that delayed placement may be a more reliable approach for mandibular resection patients, though immediate placement can offer quicker restoration of function.
Keywords: Implant survival, Masticatory function, Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), Patient satisfaction, Speech function