Maxillofacial prosthodontics for the pediatric patient: "an eye-opening experience"

The following case report describes the expanding role of pediatric dentists in treating children with craniofacial pathology. Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignancy in childhood and is approximately the tenth most common pediatric cancer in the United States. Treatment consists of enucleation, or removal of the entire globe followed by placement of orbital implants. Un-restored anopthalmic sockets exhibit growth retardation and can lead to facial disfigurement. Maxillofacial prosthetic (MFP) rehabilitation can be especially challenging in younger, pre-cooperative or behaviorally compromised children and requires the skills and participation of a pediatric dental specialist as part of the MFP team. The following case report involving a 3 yr-old girl with retinoblastoma describes such challenges. The objective of the maxillofacial prosthetic team was to provide custom-built, acrylic, bilateral ocular prostheses in as comfortable and atraumatic manner as possible. The case was a success and underscores the value of a multidisciplinary dental approach for the treatment of children with very special needs.