Canal atresia reconstruction with dental school impression material

Medium-density viscosity dental impression material has recently been used after repair of an atretic canal to stent open the newly created external auditory canal for 2 weeks, followed by a hard acrylic stent. This may provide more benefits than traditional packing, but caution must still be used. We recently have used the dental impression material to help in the reconstruction of seven ear canals. The medium-viscosity impression material hardens quickly and provides a solid, nonmobile stent, which usually pulls out without difficulty. The stent that is removed may then be used by our prosthodontist to fashion a hard, acrylic, removable stent to be worn for the next few months. This hard stent is used to prevent further stenosis. As with any technique, complications may arise and, through experience, common mistakes that can hinder a good outcome can be avoided. We will report six cases with illustrated tips on how to avoid complications when using this technique.