The use of direct metal laser sintering technology in the management of acquired maxillofacial defects due to malignant neoplasm

Abstract

Rehabilitation of maxillary defects presents a significant challenge in terms of restoration of near normal functions following the healing of large surgical wound. The obturator prostheses as a part of prosthetic management are used for the separation of oral and nasal cavities to allow adequate deglutition and articulation and support for the soft tissue to restore the midfacial contour in palatal defect cases. This clinical report describes a prosthetic approach to the rehabilitation of an acquired palatomaxillary defect with definitive obturator prosthesis as well as guide flange prosthesis for the management of mandibular deviation.