Case of making maxillary palatal augmentation complete denture for patient with dysphagia after partial glossectomy

If complication arises after glossectomy which leads to trouble in forming food bolus or transfer of the food, it is possible that either food bolus may block the airway or dysphagia may occur as the food bolus goes down into the airway. To solve the issue, palatal augmentation prosthesis could be used. In this case, the patient with an oral cancer is having difficulties swallowing food after glossectomy. Through taking impressions of polishing surface of his denture referring his tongue movement, the complete denture for the upper jaw was created using the concept of palatal augmentation prosthesis. This new upper denture increases the palatal-tongue contact pressure, allowing the patient to perform better swallowing and better pronunciation.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient with tongue cancer using palatal augmentation prosthesis and mandibular implant-retained overdenture: A case report / 대한치과보철학회지

The tongue, especially its lateral part, is the most common site of oral tumors. Patients who undergo glossectomy for the treatment of tongue cancer may experience difficulty in proper functioning for pronunciation, chewing, swallowing, and oral hygiene maintenance; therefore, a palatal augmentation prosthesis can be used to restore function of the tongue. In this case, an implant overdenture was used in a patient who had residual ridge resorption and obliteration of alveololingual sulcus after undergoing glossectomy for tongue cancer treatment. In addition, a palatal augmentation prosthesis with a metal framework, support, and retention part was fabricated. The palatal vault was reduced, so that even with limited tongue movement, adequate tongue-palate contact could be achieved. After placement of the definitive prostheses, the patient showed improvement in the functions of chewing, swallowing, and pronunciation.

Effects of palatal augmentation prosthesis in oropharyngeal dysphagia in Chilean patients with tongue cancer: Cases report

ABSTRACT: Therapy of malignant neoplasms of the tongue or oropharynx may cause dysphagia. Dysphagia in patients has negative significant social and psychological consequences. The six cases reports describe the effect of palatal augmentation prosthesis (PAP) on the management of dysphagia in patients with oral-pharyngeal cancer and as consequence of its treatment. The study also assesses PAP's effects on the quality of life of such patients.

Prosthetic rehabilitation for a glossectomy patient: a clinical report / 대한치과보철학회지

Malignant tumours of the oral cavity that require resection of the tongue result in severe deficiencies in speech and deglutition. In such patients, improvements in mastication, swallowing, and speech may be reasonable goals for treatment. The viability of a prosthodontic approach to treatment depends on the type and extent of surgery. In a total glossectomy, a mandibular tongue prosthesis is the treatment of choice. Mandibular tongue prosthesis occupies the space in the floor of the oral cavity. It provides the patients with a platform for directing food into the esophagus and aids in speaking. This type of prosthesis can achieve that protection of the underlying fragile tissue and improvement in appearance and psychosocial adjustment. This case report describes the technical steps involved in prosthetic rehabilitation for a glossectomy patient.