Post-surgical prosthodontics: clinical notes.

Abstract

This paper discusses some of the problems and techniques that are involved in the prosthetic management of patients who are to undergo surgery to the upper and lower jaws. It stresses the importance of a close relationship between the surgeon and the prosthodontist so that the necessary treatment plan may be prescribed pre-operatively rather than post-operatively. The dental management where maxillary surgery is anticipated is discussed under the following headings: Pre-operative assessment; Pre-operative treatment; The operation; Post-operative care; The intermediate obturator; The definitive obturator. Where surgery is anticipated in the lower jaw the problems are related to whether the patient has lost all the mandibular bone on one side or only the alveolar section and whether they are able to retain any of the lower teeth to stabilize the appliance. However, even when edentulous, these patients are now able to control their lower appliance much better since the advanced plastic and maxillo-facial surgical techniques produce a good denture-bearing area and less mandibular deviation.