Surgical rehabilitation following anterior resection for oral cavity carcinoma.

Resection of large tumors located in the anterior aspect of the oral cavity is commonly complicated by problems of functional disturbance and esthetic aberration. Oral incompetence with defects in swallowing and inadvertent drooling are often major hurdles to overcome. The cosmetic deformity produced by the loss of support of the anterior floor of mouth and tongue due to the resected mandibular arch provides one of the most challenging reconstructive exercises facing the head and neck surgeon. Surgical rehabilitation is most adequately achieved by a consideration of each physiological defect produced by the surgical alteration of each anatomical entity in the lower third of the face. Reestablishment of mandibular arch continuity is the keystone of the reconstructive effort; however, procedures that improve lip support, lingual mobility, and alveolar ridge enhancement are vital features in the rehabilitation of a functioning esthetically acceptable oral and perioral region.