Modern approaches to surgical and prosthodontic rehabilitation of patients with maxillary defects: a review

Restoring the integrity and function of the maxilla after resections, trauma, or congenital anomalies remains one of the most challenging tasks in oral and maxillofacial surgery and prosthodontics. Although numerous surgical and prosthodontic rehabilitation techniques exist, the lack of unified, defect-oriented treatment algorithms leads to variable and often suboptimal functional and esthetic outcomes.

This review analyzed 235 articles and extracted data from 30 scientific papers published between 2019 and 2025 that addressed the rehabilitation of patients with maxillary defects. Current surgical techniques were examined, including microsurgical reconstruction with vascularized free flaps and the use of patient-specific titanium implants. Contemporary prosthodontic approaches were also discussed, such as digital prosthesis fabrication and implant-supported prosthodontics. Particular emphasis was placed on the integration of digital technologies, such as virtual surgical planning and CAD/CAM workflows, across all stages of treatment.

The aim of this review was to analyze the available methods for rehabilitating patients with acquired maxillary defects and to assess their impact on patient quality of life and long-term outcomes. The review demonstrates a clear trend toward multidisciplinary and digitally driven care pathways that yield predictable functional and esthetic results. Key determinants guiding the choice of treatment modality include defect location and size, presence of remaining dentition, condition of the soft tissues, history of radiation therapy, and overall patient status.