Glossectomy Patients Research Articles

Glossectomy rehabilitation by mandibular tongue prosthesis

Abstract In the rehabilitation of patients following complete glossectomy, the early placement of an obturator to assist in deglutition and articulation has proved to be effective. The tongue is not absolutely necessary in the production of speech. In all glossectomy patients, though, there seems to be a reluctance to try to speak or take oral fluids after the operation. Tongue prostheses constructed in conjunction with mandibular removable partial dentures, with the tongue portion in an elevated position, give patients the additional help needed to overcome this initial reluctance. The patients are able to quickly regain their speech and swallowing abilities. A tongue prosthesis can speed the recovery of patients and return them to society to enjoy a nearly normal diet and speak understandably without a tongue.

Glossectomy rehabilitation by mandibular tongue prosthesis

In the rehabilitation of patients following complete glossectomy, the early placement of an obturator to assist in deglutition and articulation has proved to be effective. The tongue is not absolutely necessary in the production of speech. In all glossectomy patients, though, there seems to be a reluctance to try to speak or take oral fluids after the operation. Tongue prostheses constructed in conjunction with mandibular removable partial dentures, with the tongue portion in an elevated position, give patients the additional help needed to overcome this initial reluctance. The patients are able to quickly regain their speech and swallowing abilities. A tongue prosthesis can speed the recovery of patients and return them to society to enjoy a nearly normal diet and speak understandably without a tongue.