Long-term stability of prosthetic treatment of oronasal and oroantral communications

This five-year prospective study demonstrates prosthetic treatment by multidisciplinary therapy: surgeon, orthodontist, and prosthodontist. 10 patients volunteered for the study (a group of 7 men and 3 women at an average age of 33.2 years). 10 obturators, 49 fixed dentures were inserted to the upper jaw. Based on ADA (American Dental Association) recommendation a special card was prepared containing relevant information on the patients. Clinical assessments were carried out in accordance with the US Public Health Service System. In a 5-year period only 50.0% of restorations were excellent, receiving 100% alpha rating. The marginal ridge contour and adaptation of obturator achieved 60.0% alpha rating. The anatomic form of dental arch was destroyed in 50.0%. The presence of caries was not detected. Six teeth were extracted due to periodontal disease. The general contour of the restoration followed the overall contour of the fixed denture in 95.9%. Plaque accumulation was found in 50%. The colour match of crowns was darker and translucent in 27.7%, but discoloration of removable denture was seen in 30.0%. The three case reports demonstrate the long-term stability of treatment (from alpha to charlie evaluation). Attachment retention, fixed and removable denture with metal base are the first method of choice, due to acceptable long-term stability.