Prosthodontic rehabilitation of an edentulous patient affected with oral submucous fibrosis

Abstract

Oral Submucous Fibrosis is a disease condition considered to be pre-cancerous in nature. Its malignant predilection has been extensively studied by Pindborg and Sirsat. According to a study, this disease condition is found to be in 4 in 1000 adults in rural India with the incidence of malignant transformation ranging from 3-19%. As it occurs chiefly in southern India, we as dental surgeons specifically in Karnataka region often come across such patients, due to the prevalence of betel nut chewing and lack of awareness among the general population. A clinical case in which the patient presented with Oral Submucous Fibrosis along with complete edentulism and salivary gland hypo function is discussed. In this report, a patient with Oral Submucous Fibrosis and related problems in prosthodontic rehabilitation is presented and a technique that improves retention, stability and maximizes functional esthetic and comfort aspects with a conservative approach is highlighted.