Evaluation of the effects of palatal augmentation on partial glossectomy speech

Abstract

Patients who have had surgical removal of part of the tongue are left with varying degrees of speech deficiencies. Augmentation of the palate has been suggested as a means of compensation for this deficiency. This pilot study suggests a technique for evaluating prosthodontic efforts to improve speech for partial glossectomy patients. Although firm conclusions cannot be based on the observations of one patient, it appears that both the shape of the palatal surface and the contour of the cavity size anterior to the tongue are important factors to be considered in prosthodontic efforts to optimize fricative sound production for partial glossectomy patients. Further studies with patients who have a wider variety of tongue resections are indicated. The technique described is an effective one for further studies.