A Simplified Intraoral Appliance for Protecting the Flap in a Patient with Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Abstract

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, debilitating premalignant condition of the oral cavity predominantly caused by betel chewing. In this condition, the sub mucosal tissues (lamina propria and deeper connective tissue) show inflammation and progressive fibrosis that results in inability to open the mouth. Surgical excision of fibrous bands is usually the treatment of choice. Postsurgical trauma to the flap during occlusion is one of the common complications that may occur in those patients. Hence, an intraoral appliance which could protect the flap is necessary. This article explains about the fabrication of an intraoral appliance in a simplified manner to protect the flap from trauma during the occlusion of a patient diagnosed with OSMF who underwent surgical excision of fibrous tissue. The appliance helped in better healing of the surgical site, avoided the trauma to the flap, comfortable and cost effective.