Maxillofacial Prosthesis for Combined Intra and Extra-Oral Defect – A Case Report

Abstract

Combined intra and extra oral defects can be stated as those facial defects which have an intraoral communicating route. Midfacial defects are aptly classified into 2 major categories by Marunick et al. 1 as midline midfacial defects in which the nose and / or upper lip defects are included; and the second major group was lateral defects in which the cheek and orbital defects are categorized. However, defects which include combinations of the above-mentioned defects are in existence. Midfacial defects which are acquired, present themselves often with severe disfigurement of structures and hence show impaired function. It is a meticulous task to rehabilitate the defects which are caused as a result of cancerous lesion resection as they are huge. Such post resection lesions frequently are rehabilitated by a facial prosthesis to maintain function as well as the appearance in the normal form. In adjunction to the facial prosthesis, an intraoral prosthesis which constitutes of an obturator is also required to regain the natural speech and pattern of swallowing. Fabrication of such facial prosthesis not only requires the artistic capability but also excellent clinical decision making of the prosthodontist. Mode of retention of the combined prosthesis should also be kept in mind while fabricating as it is also a difficult task to retain them because of the size and weight of the same. Moreover the prosthesis should also be secured in its place with these aids which can also prove as a challenge. This case report states rehabilitating a large surgically resected midfacial defect with the assistance of a “3-piece prosthesis” which constitutes a sectional intraoral obturator along with maxillary and mandibular extraoral facial prosthesis.