My understanding is that reconstruction is most arduous for the patient. Reconstruction success can also be elusive. Check the post archives here at OCF for information from those who have had mandible reconstructive surgery.

My ORN was grade 111 and I had non-healing fistulas and finally a pathologic fracture, either of which made me a candidate for mandibulectomy. Initially, conservative treatment of my ORN including debridement and HBO was appropriate, but 3+ years of non-healing fistulas seems a bit much. I was 67 at the time of my surgery.

In addition to my permanent need for a feeding tube and my lack of concern about a mandible drift without the reconstruction, I am not a fan of heavy-duty surgery, so the choice of no reconstruction was right for me. Yes, my remaining mandible does skew to the right, but my smile has always been a little wonky anyway, and I can still smile.

Make sure all questions are answered by the oral surgeon to your satisfaction. Your husband may want to get an opinion from a second oral surgeon. The proposed surgery may be more or less extensive than mine, which was the removal of a portion of the right mandible and the four teeth on that section. As you know, unless ORN is stopped by surgery or other means, it will continue to advance, causing more damage.