PROSTHETIC REHABILITATION IN A PATIENT WITH OROANTRAL COMMUNICATION CAUSED BY CANCER

• Published in: Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology Vol. 137; no. 6; p. e250
• Main Authors: BOROWIAK, Luana da Cunha, PINTO, Camila Paloma, KINTOPP, Cibele de Almeida, SADE, Maria Clara Abdala Vasques, STRAMANDINOLI-ZANICOTTI, Roberta Targa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.06.2024
• ISSN: 2212-4403; 2212-4411
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2023.12.494

Patients undergoing tumor resection may encounter functional and aesthetic challenges, such as oroantral communication, an abnormal connection between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus. This condition can lead to issues like speech difficulties, swallowing problems, and chewing limitations. Intraoral mutilations stemming from such conditions can profoundly affect a patient's psychological well-being, potentially causing depression and social isolation due to diminished self-esteem. This study aims to present a case of rehabilitation involving a palatal obturator prosthesis for an oncological patient with intraoral mutilation after maxillectomy. The palatal obturator prosthesis serves the dual purpose of closing the oroantral communication and preventing the reflux of liquids and solids into the nasal cavity. Moreover, it enhances aesthetics, speech, and the patient's ability to breathe comfortably. Rehabilitation through maxillofacial prosthesis offers significant benefits to individuals who have experienced such mutilation, as it can restore lost functions, address the defect, and subsequently improve appearance, quality of life, and social reintegration within the family and the community.