Prosthetic Management and Analysis of Combined Extraoral-Intraoral Maxillofacial Defects Complicated with...

Different prosthetic treatment plans for three patients with variable degrees of acquired maxillofacial defects were reported and analyzed. Combined extraoral-intraoral prostheses were selected to restore the three cases. Two patients were rehabilitated using two separated prostheses, while the third one was restored with a coupled two-unit prosthesis. The design of extraoral-intraoral prosthesis either separated or connected, is influenced by the condition and nature of the residual tissues, defect configuration, patient needs, degree of tissue damage and the anticipated success rate or complications with the treatment. It was observed that separating the intraoral part from that of the extraoral resulted in better retention, stability, and more comfort to the patient with combined defects. Furthermore, fabrication and repair of each part is technically easier as perceived it can be carried out independently and the patient can continue to use one-part and send the other for repair. Another advantage is the reduction of size and weight of the prosthesis.