GUIDING FLANGE PROSTHESIS FOR A PATIENT WITH AHEMI-MANDIBULECTOMY DEFECT: A CLINICAL REPORT

Abstract

Rehabilitation of patients with maxillofacial defects is a difficult task. The denture fabrication for such a patient becomes extremely difficult due to the unavailability of attached keratinized supporting tissues. Pre-prosthetic plastic reconstructive surgery with or without implant therapy may improve denture retention and stability. But this treatment option sometimes cannot be accomplished because of the complexity of surgical reconstruction and the patient’s unwillingness to undergo further surgical interventions. Prosthetic rehabilitation alone, without plastic-surgical reconstruction for an edentulous patient who has undergone segmental mandibulectomy, is a challenging task. This article describes the fabrication and function of a maxillary palatally positioned, functionally moulded guide flange to assist post resection physiotherapy and rehabilitation.