Open AccessProsthetic Reconstruction of the Maxilla and Palate
Author(s) -
Christopher Pool,
Tom Shokri,
Aurora G. Vincent,
Weitao Wang,
Sameep Kadakia,
Yadranko Ducic
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
seminars in plastic surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.5
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 1536-0067
pISSN - 1535-2188
DOI - 10.1055/s-0040-1709143
Subject(s) - medicine , vascularity , maxilla , hard palate , dentistry , palatal obturator , soft tissue , soft palate , surgical resection , orthodontics , surgery , prosthesis
Maxillary defects commonly present following surgical resection of oncologic processes. The use of rotational and free flaps has largely replaced the use of prosthetic options for hard palate and maxillary reconstruction, but prostheses remain a useful tool. Prosthetic devices may be invaluable in patients considered poor candidates for surgical reconstruction secondary to poor vascularity, need for postoperative radiation, or medical comorbidities that place them at high risk for healing following reconstruction. Obturators may also be considered over soft tissue options if oncologic surveillance via direct visualization of the surgical site is warranted.