Effects of defect configuration, size, and remaining teeth on masticatory function in post-maxillectomy patients

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Prosthodontics
• Reconstructive Dentistry

Background:

• Maxillectomy defects significantly impair masticatory function.
• Obturator prostheses are crucial for restoring function in these patients.
• Understanding factors influencing obturator effectiveness is vital for treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between masticatory function and maxillary defect characteristics (configuration, size, remaining teeth) in post-maxillectomy patients restored with obturator prostheses.

Main Methods:

• Fifty post-maxillectomy patients (dentate and edentulous) were assessed.
• Data included clinical records, casts, and masticatory function questionnaires.
• Defect size and configuration were quantified; statistical analyses included regression and Mann-Whitney U-test.

Main Results:

• Presence of teeth and defect configuration significantly correlated with masticatory function scores (r=0.616).
• Masticatory function scores differed significantly based on dentition status and defect type (P=0.005, P=0.002).
• A significant negative correlation was found between masticatory function and defect size in edentulous patients (r=-0.648, P=0.001).

Conclusions:

• Remaining teeth, defect size, and configuration are key determinants of masticatory function in post-maxillectomy patients using obturator prostheses.
• Optimizing obturator design considering these factors can improve patient outcomes.
• Further research into patient-specific rehabilitation strategies is warranted.