A CASE SERIES ON HOW CUSTOMIZED PROSTHETIC MOUTHGUARDS HELP MANAGEMENT OF NEUROPATHOLOGICAL MASTICATION

• Published in: Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology Vol. 137; no. 6; p. e246
• Main Authors: CUZZULLIN, Maria Cláudia, VECHIATO FILHO, Aljomar José, BRANDAO, Thais Bianca, PALMIER, Natalia Rangel, dos SANTOS SILVA, Alan Roger, de OLIVEIRA, Maria Cecilia Querido, PRADO-RIBEIRO, Ana Carolina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.06.2024
• ISSN: 2212-4403; 2212-4411
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2023.12.476

The primary objective of this case series is to outline a technique for creating a custom prosthetic mouthguard designed to manage neuropathological mastication (NPM) in critically ill patients within intensive care units. This device consists of a hard elastomeric impression material covered by an acrylic interocclusal layer, helping to keep the patient's mouth open by creating elevated contact on the posterior region. It is a simple and cost-effective appliance that holds the potential to reduce the occurrence of complications, such as self-inflicted traumatic injuries in the oral cavity or cardiopulmonary arrest induced by hypoxia following the occlusion of orotracheal tubes, among other scenarios. In addition to presenting the technical aspect, this article also provides insights into the profile of individuals who are susceptible to complications arising from NPM. The second objective of this study is to underscore the positive impact that prosthodontists can have in ICU units by enhancing medical care. Through the management of oral lesions and interventions like mouthguard installation, sedation can be discontinued, and patients can be weaned off mechanical ventilation.