Woman gets titanium jaw in Qatar surgical first

In a groundbreaking procedure, a Qatari medical facility has successfully performed the nation's inaugural subperiosteal dental implant and jaw reconstruction. The innovative surgery, conducted at Hamad Medical Corporation's Surgical Specialty Centre, involved the use of cutting-edge technology to rebuild the lower jaw of a 60-year-old woman who had lost all her lower teeth and experienced significant jawbone deterioration.

The patient's new jaw, constructed from high-purity, medical-grade titanium, is designed for lifelong stability. Temporary prosthetic teeth were installed during the operation, with the aim of placing permanent teeth once her condition had stabilized. This pioneering approach offers a new treatment option for patients who are not suitable candidates for conventional dental implants, restoring their oral health and improving their quality of life.

Dr Khalid Abdel-Galil, senior consultant and chair of the Oral and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery Department, led the surgical team. The procedure relied on virtual surgical planning and 3D simulation to create an accurate digital model of the patient's jaw. This digital model guided the creation of custom-designed surgical components, tailored to the patient's unique anatomy.

Dr Abdel-Galil emphasized the procedure's efficiency and precision, attributing these benefits to the use of 3D printed models and personalized treatment solutions. The technique has the potential to significantly reduce operating time and enhance long-term outcomes. Beyond the anatomical restoration, the surgery also restores essential functions such as chewing, speech, and normal breathing, preserves facial appearance, and helps patients regain their self-confidence.

This groundbreaking procedure marks Qatar's first implementation of 3D planning and printing technology in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Introduced by the Department of Dentistry at Al Wakra Hospital in collaboration with HMC's Oral and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery Department, the new service underscores HMC's commitment to adopting advanced digital technologies to improve surgical precision and clinical outcomes.