Severe Maxillectomy Defect Rehabilitation with an Implant-Retained Obturator Prosthesis: A Case Report.

Conventional obturator prostheses might cause dissatisfaction in patients with hard or soft palate defects due to inadequate retention and function during speech, mastication, and swallowing. Thus, surgical reconstruction and implant-supported obturators are considered as alternative treatments for these patients. This case-report study describes the prosthetic reconstruction of an 88-year-old patient suffering from a hard palate defect after surgical resection of verrucous carcinoma in the left side of the hard palate. Fifteen months after radiotherapy, two implants were placed in the right side of the remaining ridge, in the second and third molar region. After the implant healing period, the implant-supported obturator prosthesis was fabricated. The patient was satisfied with the esthetics and function of the obturator at the 12-month recall visit and radiographs showed normal healing and no bone loss around the implants.

Multi-Modal Digital Impressions For Palatal Defects.

INTRODUCTION: This in-vitro study investigated limitations of intra-oral scanners (IOS) in capturing palatal defects at decreased mouth openings. The trueness and precision of composite 3D-printed models from Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and IOS were measured. METHODS: A partially dentate palatal defect model was scanned with IOS (3M™TrueDefinition) at various simulated mouth openings. Five silicone impressions were poured in gypsum. Scans were taken using 3M™TrueDefinition; Planmeca Planscan®, n=5 each. Model was scanned on two CBCT (PlanmecaProFace®; Accuitomo170®CBCT, n=5 each). Geomagic®Control2014™ was used to create composite-models merging CBCT with IOS. Thirty composite-models were 3D-printed. Trueness and precision were measured. Pearson Correlation Coefficients measured correlation between mouth opening and data capture. Data analysed using Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and ANOVA. Statistical significance inferred when p⟨0.05. RESULTS: Mouth openings ⟨20mm, IOS didn't capture information of soft tissue. Increased mouth opening positively correlated with increased data capture(r=0.93, p=0.001). AccuitomoCBCT and TrueDefinition IOS composite-models had the highest (trueness) and [precision](median (IQR) 0.172 mm(0.062-0.426)); [mean [SD] 0.080 mm [0.008]]. Casts had the lowest results (median (IQR) 0.289 mm(0.119-1.565));[mean [SD] 0.338 mm [0.089]](p⟨0.001). CONCLUSION: Mouth opening ⟨20mm resulted in insufficient data capture by IOS for clinical applications. Composite digital models showed promising trueness and precision results.

Recommendations for post-rehabilitation care of maxillofacial prostheses

Aim: This study aimed to review the scientific literature to describe the main care and hygiene protocols for different types of maxillofacial prostheses (MFP). Methods: A bibliographic search on the PubMed / Medline database using the following keywords: ["maxillofacial prosthesis" OR "ocular prostheses" OR "palatal obturators"] AND ["Cleaning" OR "disinfection"] AND ["care"] AND ["color stability"] OR ["denture cleansers" OR "cleansing agents"]. Articles addressing materials, cleaning and disinfection protocols, and care related to MFP were included. The following exclusion criteria were applied: no adequate methodology, incompatibility with the area of interest, and unavailability for reading in full. Results: The papers were grouped into the following topics: facial prostheses, ocular prostheses, maxillofacial intraoral prostheses, and retention systems. Conclusion: Despite the MFP changes over time, its degradation decreases upon following the recommendations and post-adaptation care. The guidelines for cleaning and disinfection must be individualized to guarantee the longevity of the prosthesis and the patient health

Perception and Attitude of Parents of Children With Orofacial Clefts Regarding the Use of Presurgical Orthopedics and Feeding Obturators.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the parents' attitude and their perception regarding the management of orofacial cleft (OFC) children with presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM), DynaCleft and/or feeding obturators. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive and observational retrospective survey-based study was conducted among parents of OFC children treated with PNAM, DynaCleft and/or feeding obturators who attended a primary dental health care center in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia, from 2019 to 2023. A validated questionnaire was used after translating it from English to Arabic. The questionnaire consisted of 32 questions divided into two sections. The first section covers parents' sociodemographic data and OFC risk factors. The second section evaluates the parents' perception regarding the use of presurgical orthopedics (PSO) for OFC repair. The questionnaire was completed through telephone interviews carried out by two investigators with the parents of OFC children. RESULTS: Out of 142 parents of OFC children, only 40 parents and their children met the inclusion criteria of the study. Most parents (95%) reported their satisfaction with the treatment and stated that they would encourage other parents of OFC children to use PSO. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that parents of OFC children had a positive attitude toward PSO treatment. Based on the positive outcomes of PSO treatment reported in the current study and previous literature, PSO should be considered as a routine treatment in the early management of orofacial clefts.

Microbial Analysis of Obturators During Maxillofacial Prosthodontic Treatment Over an 8-Year Period.

The aim of the study was to investigate the microbial colonization (by Candida species, anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria) of maxillary obturators used for the restoration of maxillary defects, including during radiotherapy.Retrospective cohort study.Fifteen patients requiring a maxillary obturator prosthesis had swabs of their obturators and adjacent tissues taken at different stages of their treatment over a period of 8 years.Identification of microbial species from the swabs was carried out using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD PCR) analysis, checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization, CHROMagar Candida chromogenic agar, and DNA sequencing.Candida species were detected in all patients and all patients developed mucositis and candidiasis during radiotherapy which was associated with an increase in colonization of surfaces with Candida spp., particularly C albicans. Microbial colonization increased during radiotherapy and as an obturator aged, and decreased following a reline, delivery of a new prosthesis, or antifungal treatment during radiotherapy.Microbial colonization of maxillary obturators was related to the stage of treatment, age of the obturator material, radiotherapy and antifungal medications, and antifungal treatment may be recommended if C albicans colonization of palatal tissues is greater than 105 colony-forming units per cm2 following the first week of radiotherapy.

Caracterización clínico epidemiológica de los pacientes con alteraciones bucomaxilofaciales en la provincia Camagüey

Introducción: Las personas con una deformación facial comúnmente están expuestas a las críticas o presión, colocando al individuo en situaciones embarazosas. El uso de prótesis es una solución eficiente a las deformidades faciales ya que evita complicaciones quirúrgicas y produce un buen resultado estético cuando no es posible la reconstrucción quirúrgica o se prefiere por el paciente. Objetivo: Caracterizar clínica y epidemiológicamente los pacientes con alteraciones bucomaxilofaciales en la provincia Camagüey. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de serie de casos en el periodo comprendido entre marzo y diciembre de 2022. Se tomó la información existente en las bases de datos y en los trabajos de terminación de la especialidad de Prótesis Estomatológica, realizados entre los años 2001 al 2019. Se utilizó para el análisis de la información, estadística descriptiva para distribución de frecuencias y los resultados finales se incluyeron en tablas. Resultados: La mayoría de los casos fueron pacientes masculinos, de edades entre 46 y 60; los defectos más frecuentes encontrados fueron los oculares. En cuanto al sexo fue evidente una mayor necesidad de prótesis bucomaxilofacial en los hombres y dentro de estas las prótesis oculares. Entre las principales causas de pérdida de estructuras se encontraron los traumatismos y las lesiones oncológicas. Conclusiones: Los defectos bucomaxilofaciales repercuten de forma negativa en la calidad de vida de quienes los padecen; las causas que generan los mismos, las regiones donde más se presentan, el sexo y la edad en que aparecen son elementos a tener en cuenta para un correcta prevención de dichas lesiones pero también permiten establecer pautas de trabajo encaminadas a brindar una atención multidisciplinaria para su rehabilitación protésica e integral.

Introduction: People with a facial deformity are commonly exposed to criticism or pressure, placing the individual in embarrassing situations. The use of prostheses is an efficient solution to facial deformities since it avoids surgical complications and produces a good aesthetic result when surgical reconstruction is not possible or is preferred by the patient. Objective: To characterize clinically and epidemiologically patients with oral and maxillofacial alterations in Camagüey province. Methods: A case report type study was carried out taking the results of the databases, completion works of the Dentistry Prosthesis specialty between the years 2001 and 2019. The study was carried out in the period between March and December 2022. The results were reflected in tables using descriptive statistics for them. Results: Most of the cases were male patients, aged between 46 and 60; the most frequent defects found were the ocular ones. Regarding gender, a greater need for oral and maxillofacial prostheses was evident in men, and within these, ocular prostheses. Among the main causes of loss of structures were traumatisms and oncological lesions. Conclusions: Oral and maxillofacial defects have a negative impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from them; the causes that generate them, the regions where they occur most, the sex and the age in which they appear are elements to take into account for a correct prevention of said injuries but also allow the establishment of work guidelines aimed at providing multidisciplinary care for their prosthetic and integral rehabilitation.

Comparison of Attachment Types in Maxillary Implant-assisted Obturators using Digital Image Correlation Analysis.

AIM: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the stress on the implant and to assess the denture displacement for locator and bar and clip attachment types in implant-assisted obturators. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A maxillary edentulous experimental model with a maxillectomy defect was made along with an opposing edentulous mandibular model with self-cure acrylic. Two endosseous implants were placed in the maxillary model. Corresponding obturator complete denture was fabricated for the maxillary model and a complete denture for the mandibular. The attachments were positioned on the implants in maxillary model, and their sleeve/clip was placed on intaglio surface of the dentures. The mounted articulator was placed on a loading apparatus, and force was incrementally applied to it. The strain and displacement for both the attachment types were measured and compared using Digital Image Correlation (DIC). RESULTS: Locator attachment showed the least stress and minimal displacement as compared to bar and clip attachment. CONCLUSION: The stresses around the implants and displacement of the obturator are affected by the attachment type used. It was found that bar and clip (splinted) showed the maximum stresses around the implant and maximum denture displacement. Locator attachment is the better choice over bar and clip because of its additional retentive features. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The advantage of using DIC over the conventional strain gauge analysis is that a full-field data of displacement and strain can be obtained instead of getting a mean value on the small surface where the strain gauge is positioned.

Insufficient Evidence to Ascertain the Long-Term Survival of PEEK Dental Prostheses: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies.

INTRODUCTION: Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a polymer that is used in the construction of orthopaedic and dental implants. It is also used to construct removable and fixed dental prostheses due to its superior mechanical and esthetic properties compared to conventional materials. This systematic review aims to analyse and appraise the literature concerning PEEK dental prostheses critically. METHODS: The following focused question was constructed 'Are dental prostheses made of PEEK inferior to those made of other materials in terms of clinical- and patient-reported outcomes?'. The CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) tool was used for the quality assessment of the randomised clinical trials. The STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) quality assessment tool was used to assess the quality of observational studies and the case reports were evaluated using the CARE (Case Report) guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies were included in this review. Two case studies received an overall grade of medium and the overall quality of six studies was graded as 'low'. All three observational studies and the only randomised controlled trial received scores of 'medium'. CONCLUSION: PEEK-based dental prostheses may provide a viable and more esthetic alternative to conventional prosthodontic appliances. However, within the limitations of this study is the evidence to ascertain the long-term viability of PEEK-based dental prostheses. Future studies should focus on conducting large-scale, multicenter trials to compare the survival rate of PEEK prostheses to that of conventionally available prosthodontic appliances.

Evaluation of the root filling quality with experimental carrier-based obturators: a CLSM and FEG-SEM analysis.

This study evaluated tubule penetration of GuttaFlow Bioseal with cold single cone or carrier-based technique, under confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Twenty straight single-rooted teeth were instrumented with Hyflex CM and divided in two groups (n = 10) according to the obturation method: single cold gutta-percha cones; experimental carrier-based obturators. GuttaFlow Bioseal, labelled with Rhodamine B dye, was used as sealer in both groups. Teeth transversally sectioned were observed under CLSM. Percentage of sealer penetration and integrity of sealer layer perimeter were measured. Surface and microstructural characteristics of obturators and gutta-percha cones were compared by FEG-SEM and EDX analysis. No significant differences were found between groups for each examined parameter. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were reported mainly within groups. Integrity was similar among and within groups. FEG-SEM/EDX analysis of obturators revealed the presence of Ba and Zn. Carrier-based obturation technique associated with GuttaFlow Bioseal does not seem to affect sealer penetration into dentinal tubules.

Can a pharyngeal bulb prosthesis eliminate hypernasal speech in individuals with hypodynamic velopharynx?

ABSTRACT Purpose: to investigate the effectiveness of a pharyngeal bulb prosthesis to eliminate hypernasality in patients with operated cleft palate presenting with diagnosis of hypodynamic velopharynx. Methods: twenty patients with cleft palate, ages 11-40 years, presenting hypodynamic velopharynx participated in the study. Patients had their speech audio recorded twice, with and without prosthesis, simultaneously with nasometry. Three speech-pathologists rated the presence and absence of hypernasality. Perceptual and nasometric data without and with prosthesis were compared, using the McNemar Test (p<0.05). Results: three (15%) patients presented hypernasality without prosthesis and normal resonance with prosthesis, 3 (15%), normal resonance without prosthesis and hypernasality with prosthesis, 9 (45%), hypernasality without and with prosthesis, and 5 (25%), normal resonance in both conditions. Nasometry (≤27% cut off): 1 (5%), presented scores >27% without prosthesis and <27% with prosthesis, 2 (10%), scores <27% without prosthesis and >27% with prosthesis, 17 (85%), scores >27% in both conditions, and 1(5%), scores <27% in both conditions. The comparisons between the results were not significant (p=1.000). Conclusion: the pharyngeal bulb prosthesis alone is insufficient to eliminate hypernasality of patients presented with hypodynamic velopharynx. To this purpose, the combination between the prosthesis and speech therapy is required.

Reabilitação bucal com prótese obturadora maxilar após excisão de carcinoma adenoide cístico / Mouth rehabilitation with maxillary obturator prosthesis after excision of adenoid cystic carcinoma / Rehabilitación bucal con prótesis obturadora maxilar tras excision de carcinoma adenoide quístico

A prótese obturadora constitui o principal método para a reabilitação de grandes defeitos maxilares. Tem como objetivo fechar o defeito, separar a cavidade oral da cavidade nasal, prevenir a fala anasalada e a regurgitação nasal de alimentos e líquidos e dar sustentação ao perfil facial. Este artigo visa relatar um caso de reabilitação com prótese obturadora maxilar após maxilectomia parcial. Paciente do gênero feminino, 72 anos, diagnosticada com carcinoma adenoide cístico na região de palato, foi submetida a maxilectomia parcial que resultou em extenso defeito maxilar e comunicação bucosinusal. Após anamnese, exames extra, intraorais e radiográfico, foi planejado para o período cicatricial e de uso da sonda nasogástrica, a confecção de uma placa obturadora para melhorar a deglutição e fala. Em seguida, confecção de uma prótese total obturadora superior e prótese parcial removível inferior. A placa obturadora foi confeccionada e utilizada até a remoção da sonda e instalação das próteses. Após moldagem das duas arcadas, foram obtidos modelos funcionais que foram montados em articulador após os ajustes dos planos de orientação e registro das relações intermaxilares. Foram realizadas provas estéticas e funcionais dos dentes artificiais e ajustes necessários. Posteriormente à acrilização, as próteses foram instaladas e o ajuste oclusal executado. Para obter retenção e estabilidade satisfatórias durante a utilização da prótese obturadora superior foi sugerido o uso de adesivo para dentadura. Três proservações foram realizadas. A prótese obturadora reabilitou a estética, fonética, função mastigatória e deglutição restabelecendo a autoestima e a ressocialização da paciente(AU)

The obturator prosthesis is the main method for the rehabilitation of large maxillary defects. With the purpose to closethe defect, separate the oral cavity from the nasal cavity, prevent hypernasal speech, nasal regurgitation of food and liquids and provide support for the facial profile. This article aims to report a case of rehabilitation with maxillary obturator prosthesis after partial maxillectomy. A 72-year-old female patient, diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma in the palate region, underwent partial maxillectomy that resulted in extensive maxillary defect and bucco-sinus communication. After anamnesis, extra, intraoral and radiographic exams, the construction of a palatal plate was planned to be used with the nasogastric tube and during the healing process, to improve swallowing and speech. Then, the manufacture of a maxillary obturator prosthesis and a lower removable partial prosthesis. The palatal plate was made and used until the tube was removed and the insertion of the prostheses. After the impressions, master casts were made and mounted on an articulator after adjustment of wax occlusion rims and registration of the maxillo-mandibular relations. Functional elements of speech, occlusion, and appearance were evaluated during the try-in of the provisional set-up and adjusts were made.After the acrylization, the prostheses were inserted and the occlusal adjustment performed. To obtain satisfactory retention and stability when using the maxillary obturator prosthesis, it was suggested to use denture adhesive. Three post-insertions visits were carried out. The obturator prosthesis rehabilitated aesthetics, phonetics, masticatory function and swallowing, restoring the patient's self-esteem and improving social life(AU)

La prótesis obturadora es el método principal para la rehabilitación de grandes defectos maxilares. Tiene por objetivo cerrarel defecto, separar la cavidad bucal de la cavidad nasal, prevenir el habla nasal, la regurgitación nasal de alimentos y líquidos,dando apoyo al perfil facial. Este artículo tiene objetivo de reportar un caso de rehabilitación con prótesis obturadora maxilar tras maxilectomía parcial. Una paciente de 72 años, diagnosticada de carcinoma adenoide quístico en región del palato, fué sometida a maxilectomía parcial que resultó en extenso defecto maxilar y comunicación bucosinusal. Después de anamnesis, exámenes extra, intraorales y radiográficos, se planificó para el período de cicatrización y el uso de la sonda nasogástrica,la construcción de una placa obturadora para mejorar la deglución y el habla. Luego, la fabricación de una prótesis obturadora total superior y una prótesis parcial inferior removible. La placa obturadora se hizo y se utilizó hasta que se retiró la sonda y se instalaron las prótesis. Se realizón la impresión de ambos arcos, obtuvieron modelos funcionales que se montaron en articulador, tras ajustes de los planos de orientación y registro de relaciones intermaxilares. Se realizaron pruebas estéticas y funcionales en dientes artificiales y ajustes necesarios. Después de la acrilización se instalaron las prótesis y se realizó ajuste oclusal. Para obtener una retención y estabilidad satisfactoria al utilizar la prótesis obturadora superior, fue sugirió utilizar un adesivo para prótesis. Se realizaron tres proservaciones. La prótesis obturatriz rehabilitó estética, fonética, función masticatoria y deglución, devolviendo autoestima y resocialización al paciente(AU)

Cocaine-Induced Midline Destructive Lesions: A Real Challenge in Oral Rehabilitation.

Cocaine abuse is associated with severe local effects on mucosal and osteocartilaginous structures, with a centrifugal spreading pattern from the nose, a condition known as cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions (CIMDL). When the soft or hard palate is affected, a perforation may occur, with subsequent oro-nasal reflux and hypernasal speech. Both diagnosis and therapy (surgical or prosthetic) constitute a serious challenge for the physician. The cases of three patients affected by cocaine-induced palatal perforation and treated with a palatal obturator at San Raffaele Dentistry department between 2016 and 2019 are presented. In addition, the literature was reviewed in search of papers reporting the therapeutic management in patients affected by cocaine-induced palatal perforation. All the patients in our sample suffered from oro-nasal reflux and hypernasal speech, and reported a significant impact on interpersonal relationships. The results at the delivery of the obturator were satisfactory, but the duration of such results was limited in two cases, as the progression of the disease necessitated continuous modifications of the product, with a consequent increase in costs and a reduction in patient satisfaction. In conclusion, the therapy for palatal defects in CIMDL includes both reconstructive surgery and prosthetic obturators, the latter being the only possibility in the event of active disease. It successfully relieves symptoms, but the long-term efficacy is strongly related to the level of disease activity.

Efficacy of prototype endodontic obturators for novel root canal obturation techniques using a resin-based sealer in various powder-liquid ratios.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine novel techniques using prototype endodontic obturators to obturate a resin-based sealer. METHODS: Powder-liquid ratios of MetaSEAL Soft were changed to obtain suitable root canal sealing, and the physical properties for various powder-liquid ratios were analyzed according to ISO-6876. Tensile bond strength was also examined. Prototype endodontic obturators with a combination of thread numbers and pitch angles were analyzed for sealing ability after MetaSEAL Soft was obturated in simulated root canals. RESULTS: Powder-liquid ratios of 1.0:1, 1.1:1, 1.2:1, and 1.3:1 showed suitable physical properties; however, flow for 1.4:1 was below a standard value. Tensile bond strength increased gradually when the powder-liquid ratio changed from 1.0:1 to 1.3:1, and 1.3:1 and 1.4:1 showed the highest and lowest bond strengths, respectively. Sealing ability increased when pitch angles of the obturators were 5°, 8°, and 11°; 11° showed the best results. Similarly, sealing ability increased when the thread number was 12, 17, and 22 pitches; 22 showed the best results. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the prototype endodontic obturator can be useful for obturating MetaSEAL Soft, and a powder-liquid ratio of 1.3:1 MetaSEAL Soft may be the most suitable for achieving excellent sealing.

Beneficios de los obturadores quirúrgicos en la rehabilitación bucomaxilofacial. Revisión de la literatura / Benefits of surgical obturators in oral maxillofacial rehabilitation. Review of literature

RESUMEN Introducción: Las fracturas por lesión traumática, la resección quirúrgica de tumores y los defectos congénitos exponen al maxilar a agresiones, y para la rehabilitación están las prótesis obturatrices que recuperan algunas funciones como la deglución y la fonación, así como la estética. Objetivo: Resumir los beneficios del uso de prótesis obturatriz como forma de rehabilitación en los servicios de Prótesis Bucomaxilofacial. Métodos: Estudio de revisión bibliográfica en 25 publicaciones entre 2015-2020 sobre el uso de prótesis obturatriz. Se consultaron y tamizaron 153 documentos de las bases de datos de los sistemas referativos MEDLINE, PubMed y SciELO e indexadas en la Web of Sciences, Scopus, Redalyc y Latindex, con el uso de los descriptores: obturador bucal, prótesis obturatriz, cáncer bucal. Desarrollo: Los obturadores protésicos o palatinos, se indican para sellar los tejidos de la cavidad bucal expuestos de forma quirúrgica o congénita, y constituyen un sustituto fundamental del paladar duro, del hueso alveolar y de los tejidos blandos circundantes. Durante la rehabilitación, el profesional en prótesis bucomaxilofacial realizará nuevas modificaciones, a medida que el lecho quirúrgico madura. La prótesis final contará con dientes similares a una prótesis dental; el paciente la puede extraer y limpiar, además de ocuparse de la higiene del defecto. Conclusiones: Los obturadores protésicos corrigen defectos palatinos o maxilares, con varios diseños y aditamentos a aplicar, lo cual logra recuperar un alto nivel de calidad de vida de los pacientes, pues se separa la cavidad bucal de la nasal o sinusal, con una consecuente rehabilitación dental y oclusal satisfactoria. Palabras clave: obturadores palatinos; prótesis maxilofacial; rehabilitación bucal.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Fractures due to traumatic injury, surgical resection of tumors and congenital defects expose the maxilla to aggressions, and for rehabilitation there are obturator prostheses that recover some functions such as swallowing and phonation, as well as aesthetics. Objective: To summarize the benefits of the use of an obturator prosthesis as a rehabilitation form in Oral Maxillofacial Prosthesis services. Methods: Study of bibliographic review in 64 publications between 1978-2019 on the use of obturator prosthesis. 153 documents from the MEDLINE, PubMed and SciELO reference systems databases were consulted, screened and indexed on the Web of Sciences, Scopus, Redalyc and Latindex, with the use of the following descriptors: oral obturator, obturator prosthesis, oral cancer. Development: Prosthetic or palatal obturators are indicated to seal the surgically or congenitally exposed tissues of the oral cavity, and are a fundamental substitute for the hard palate, alveolar bone and surrounding soft tissues. During rehabilitation, the buccomaxillofacial prosthesis professional will make new modifications as the surgical site matures. The final prosthesis will have teeth similar to a dental prosthesis; the patient can remove and clean it, in addition to taking care of the hygiene of the defect. Conclusions: Prosthetic obturators correct palatal or maxillary defects, with various designs and attachments to be applied, which manages to recover a high level of quality of life for patients, since the oral cavity is separated from the nasal or sinus cavity, with a satisfactory dental and occlusal rehabilitation.

Prosthodontic Applications of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA): An Update.

A wide range of polymers are commonly used for various applications in prosthodontics. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is commonly used for prosthetic dental applications, including the fabrication of artificial teeth, denture bases, dentures, obturators, orthodontic retainers, temporary or provisional crowns, and for the repair of dental prostheses. Additional dental applications of PMMA include occlusal splints, printed or milled casts, dies for treatment planning, and the embedding of tooth specimens for research purposes. The unique properties of PMMA, such as its low density, aesthetics, cost-effectiveness, ease of manipulation, and tailorable physical and mechanical properties, make it a suitable and popular biomaterial for these dental applications. To further improve the properties (thermal properties, water sorption, solubility, impact strength, flexural strength) of PMMA, several chemical modifications and mechanical reinforcement techniques using various types of fibers, nanoparticles, and nanotubes have been reported recently. The present article comprehensively reviews various aspects and properties of PMMA biomaterials, mainly for prosthodontic applications. In addition, recent updates and modifications to enhance the physical and mechanical properties of PMMA are also discussed.

Impact of Oral Rehabilitation on Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: Study of 100 Patients with Liverpool Oral Rehabilitation Questionnaire and the Oral Health Impact Profile.

Prosthodontic rehabilitation enables head and neck cancer patient to optimally restore function, thereby improving and enhancing the oral health related quality of life of cancer patients. The liverpool oral rehabilitation questionnaire (LORQ-v3) and oral health impact profile (OHIP) are specific tools that measure OHRQOL. Hundred patients with head and neck cancer were included in the study. Patients were asked to rate their experience of dental problems before fabrication of prosthesis and after 1 year using LORQv3 and OHIP-14. The responses were compared on Likert scale. There were extreme problems reported by head and neck cancer patients before dental rehabilitation. After 1 year of prosthetic rehabilitation, there was improvement noticed in all the domain of LORQ-v3 and OHIP-14. Complete compliance to the use of prosthetic appliances for 1 year study period was noted. For all the items of LORQ-v3 there was 10 to 38% improvement in function. OHIP-14 showed an 11 to 26% improvements in all the domains. Prosthetic rehabilitation contributed to an improvement of patients with head and neck cancer, in view of the decreased scores on the Likert scale after prosthetic treatment. The study of hundred patients with head and neck cancer showed that the oral health-related quality of life improved after prosthodontic rehabilitation.

Quality of Life and Maxillary Defects: A Cross-Sectional Study / Calidad de Vida y Defectos Maxilares: Un Estudio Transversal

ABSTRACT: There has been little discussion about the quality of life of patients with maxillary defects. This article evaluates the issues related to the condition. We performed a cross-sectional study of patients with maxillary defects from referral centers in Brazil. To avoid subject burden, a questionnaire was developed, based on questions from seven instruments, which dealt with domains and conclusions that were similar to those from other studies. The predictor variable was the patients' score for each question. The outcome measure was the presence of the best-ranked items on the questionnaire as the impact factor. Six experts assessed these items and suggested which questions to include or exclude. Patients scored each item according to its occurrence and importance. Descriptive statistics and the items' rank according to the impact factor were computed to determine whether there is a comprehensive instrument available. Thirteen patients and six professionals were included in this study. The patients' age ranged from 24 to 72 years (mean (standard deviation, SD), 50.41 (14.46) years). We obtained a 60-item instrument from the selected questionnaires and subject interviews. Only 12 (37.5 %) out of the 32 best-rated items were verified by the existing instruments, two (6.25 %) were suggested by professionals and 18 (56.25 %) were conclusions from other studies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to provide many features related to the quality of life in patients with maxillary defects.

RESUMEN: Existe escasa discusión en la literatura sobre la calidad de vida de los pacientes con defectos maxilares. Este artículo evalúa los problemas relacionados con esta condición. Realizamos un estudio transversal de pacientes con defectos maxilares de centros de referencia en Brasil. Se desarrolló un cuestionario basado en preguntas de siete instrumentos, que trataba sobre dominios y conclusiones similares a las de otros estudios. La variable de estimación fue la puntuación de los pacientes para cada pregunta. La medida de resultado fue la presencia de los elementos mejor clasificados en el cuestionario como factor de impacto. Seis expertos evaluaron estos ítems y sugirieron qué preguntas incluir o excluir. Los pacientes puntuaron cada ítem según su ocurrencia e importancia. Se calcularon las estadísticas descriptivas y la clasificación de los ítems según el factor de impacto, para determinar si existe un instrumento completo. Trece pacientes y seis profesionales fueron incluidos en este estudio. La edad de los pacientes osciló entre 24 y 72 años [media (desviación estándar), 50,41 (14,46) años]. Obtuvimos un instrumento de 60 ítems de los cuestionarios y entrevistas de temas seleccionados. Solo 12 (37,5 %) de los 32 ítems mejor calificados se verificaron de acuerdo a los instrumentos existentes, dos (6,25 %) fueron sugeridos por profesionales y 18 (56,25 %) fueron conclusiones de otros estudios. De acuerdo a nuestro conocimiento, este es el primer estudio que proporciona características relacionadas con la calidad de vida en pacientes con defectos maxilares.

Relationship Between Spinal-Pelvic Sagittal Balance and Pelvic-Femoral Injuries in Professional Soccer Players.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic-femoral injuries are a common problem in football (soccer) players. However, the risk factors for these injuries are unclear. Our knowledge of spinal-pelvic sagittal balance has increased considerably over the past few years, notably as a result of new radiographic techniques such the EOS radiographic imaging system. PURPOSE: To investigate the link between spinal-pelvic sagittal balance on EOS imaging and the incidence of pelvic-femoral injuries. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Players in a League 1 professional soccer team were observed for 5 consecutive seasons. All players included in the study underwent EOS radiographic imaging. All acute and microtraumatic injuries to the pelvic-femoral complex were recorded prospectively: hamstrings, psoas, quadriceps, adductors, obturators, and pubic symphysis. We analyzed the relationship between injury incidence and key radiographic parameters involved in pelvic balance. RESULTS: A total of 61 players were included (mean age, 24.5 years; n = 149 injuries; mean pelvic tilt, 9.08° ± 5.6°). A significant link was observed between the incidence of pelvic-femoral injuries and pelvic tilt (P = .02). A significant link was also observed between the incidence of acute pelvic-femoral injuries and pelvic tilt (P = .05). In both cases, a high pelvic tilt was associated with a low incidence of injuries. CONCLUSION: In professional soccer players, a low pelvic tilt was associated with a high incidence of all pelvic-femoral injuries as well as acute pelvic-femoral injuries. These results could lead to new preventive methods for these musculotendinous injuries through physical therapy.

The Role of Biofilms and Material Surface Characteristics in Microbial Adhesion to Maxillary Obturator Materials: A Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Maxillofacial prosthetics includes restoration of maxillary defects resulting from resection of palate and nasosinus neoplasms with obturator prostheses which may be colonized by microorganisms and function as a reservoir of infection. Patients with neoplasms commonly also require radiotherapy that can result in changes in saliva quality and quantity and changes in the oral microbial flora. The altered flora, in individuals immunocompromised from cancer therapy, increases their risk of prosthesis-related infections. OBJECTIVES: In this review article, we explore microbial biofilms, their main components, mechanisms of microbial adhesion, and stages of biofilm development. We also discuss the different materials that are used for manufacturing maxillary obturators, their characteristic features, and how these can affect microbial adhesion. Furthermore, we shed some light on the factors that affect microbial adhesion to the surface of maxillary obturators including tissue proteins, protein adsorption, and the acquired enamel pellicle. CONCLUSIONS: The conclusions drawn from this literature review are that it is imperative to minimize the risk of local and systemic infections in immunocompromised patients with cancer having maxillary defects. It is also important to determine the role of saliva in microbial adhesion to obturator materials as well as develop materials that have a longer life span with surface characteristics that promote less microbial adhesion than current materials.

[Authorization, translation, back translation and language modification of the Chinese version of the obturator functioning scale].

Objective: To cross-cultural adapt the English version of obturator functioning scale (OFS) to form a simplified Chinese version, to preliminarily verify its reliability and validity in clinic, and to provide an effective tool for evaluating the oral function and quality of life of patients with palatal defect and restored with obturators in China. Methods: The English version of the OFS was taken for forward translation, synthesis, back-translation, and reviewed by expert committee to develop a pre-testing simplified Chinese version. This scale contained demographic data, basic information of diseases, eating problems dimensions (3 items), speech problems dimensions (5 items), and other problems dimensions (7 items). From December, 2016 to December, 2018, forty-two patients who were treated in the Department of Prosthodontics, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University with palatal defect and restored with obturators were evaluated with OFS. Among them, there were 26 males, and 21-84 years old, and 16 females, who were 24-80 years old.The reliability and validity of the data were examined and analyzed. Results: The results showed that Cronbach's α coefficients of the overall scale and the three dimensions (eating problems, speech problems, and other problems) were 0.926, 0.938, 0.930, and 0.935, respectively. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was very good. The Spearman coefficients between each single dimension and the total score were 0.677, 0.792, and 0.860, respectively, suggesting that the scale convergence was good. The content validity index of 15 items was 0.905, indicating that the content validity was very good. Conclusions: The Chinese version of the OFS is exhibiting high reliability and validity, providing an effective evaluation tool of oral function and quality of life for Chinese patients with obturator prostheses to restore palate defects.