Prosthetic rehabilitation of unilateral midfacial defect resulting from flap related complication: A case report of clinical challenges and their solutions.

Abstract

Composite defects of the head and neck region after oncologic resection are challenging and require reconstruction of several layers, including the intraoral lining, osseous reconstruction of the mandible or maxilla and soft tissue/skin coverage. Management of complications resulting from flap failure is a challenging task from a technical and aesthetic perspective that can have a substantial social and psychological impact on those affected. This clinical report describes prosthetic rehabilitation of a lateral midfacial defect and the clinical challenges encountered and their solutions in a patient with carcinoma of gingivobuccal complex who underwent composite bite resection, reconstruction and adjuvant radiation therapy. A conventional approach that employed an acrylic substructure and silicone (one-piece) prosthesis was implemented to address the cutaneous cheek defect taking into account history of recent radiotherapy and comprehensive medical history. The delivered prosthesis effectively restored the lost facial contour and concealed the facial defect, contributing to aesthetics and improving the patient's quality of life.