A new technique for nasal stent fabrication for atrophic rhinitis: a clinical report

Atrophic rhinitis is a chronic nasal disease characterized by progressive atrophy of the nasal mucosa accompanied by the formation of foul-smelling thick, dry crusts in the nasal cavities. Mild conditions of atrophic rhinitis can be treated by nasal irrigations and prescription of intravenous or topical aminoglycosides. In severe conditions, surgery can close the airways. The problem can also be managed by prosthodontic measures which include the fabrication of a poly methyl methacrylate acrylic resin nasal stents. This article describes a new procedure for fabricating a clear acrylic nasal stent with an alternative laboratory technique using small cylinders of soft putty as spacers for maintaining a 3-mm restricted nasal airway during processing.