Dental Principles of Plastic Surgery | Journal CME Article-Journal CME Article: Dental Principles for Plastic Surgery (Article)

Journal CME Article: Dental Principles for Plastic Surgery (Article)

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This review outlines foundational dental and orthodontic principles relevant to plastic and craniofacial surgery. Although dentistry and orthognathic surgery have long been closely linked, the authors note that dental education is often limited in plastic surgery training.<br /><br />The article summarizes tooth structure, primary and permanent dentition, tooth-numbering systems, dental terminology, occlusion, and clinical examination. Imaging—including panoramic and intraoral radiographs, cephalograms, cone-beam CT, and digital scans—supports diagnosis and surgical planning.<br /><br />Dental anomalies commonly accompany craniofacial conditions. Cleft lip and palate may involve missing or impacted teeth, crossbite, and a constricted maxilla; care can include early nasoalveolar molding, staged surgery, orthodontic expansion, and alveolar bone grafting. FGFR-related craniosynostosis syndromes often present with midface hypoplasia and malocclusion. Craniofacial macrosomia may involve mandibular hypoplasia, delayed dentition, and missing or underdeveloped teeth. Orthodontic treatment may be coordinated with expansion, distraction, or orthognathic surgery. The review also highlights jaw cysts and tumors, emphasizing timely recognition and referral.<br /><br />Dental infections can progress from caries to abscesses requiring urgent drainage and antibiotics. Dental assessment and treatment before head-and-neck radiation can reduce the risk of osteoradionecrosis. For trauma, fractures, luxations, and avulsions require prompt evaluation; permanent teeth should be replanted as soon as possible, ideally within 60 minutes, or stored in an appropriate solution.<br /><br />Orthodontic growth modification and presurgical and postsurgical orthodontics help establish functional occlusion and improve orthognathic outcomes. Digital planning, custom guides, and plates support surgical precision. Dental prostheses and implants are also essential to restore function and facial support after jaw reconstruction; immediate implants may enable earlier rehabilitation in selected patients.<br /><br />Overall, the authors emphasize that early dental evaluation and close collaboration with orthodontic and dental specialists can improve functional and aesthetic outcomes across congenital care, trauma, and reconstruction.

Keywords

dental anatomy

orthodontics

craniofacial surgery

occlusion

panoramic radiography

cleft lip and palate

craniosynostosis

orthognathic surgery

dental trauma

dental implants