Reconstruction of the oral cavity; past, present and future.

Reconstruction of the oral cavity has transformed the outcomes for patients treated surgically for oral malignancy. This paper reviews the history of oral cavity reconstruction over the past 60 years and evolution of surgical and prosthetic reconstruction of the oral cavity. The "State of the Art" in oral cavity reconstruction is reviewed focusing specifically on, the oral tongue, floor of mouth, buccal mucosa, mandible and maxilla. The opportunities for the future are reviewed focusing on prefabrication, virtual surgical planning and transplantation.