Palatal augmentation prosthesis (PAP) can improve swallowing function for the patients in rehabilitation hospital

The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of fitting palatal augmentation prosthesis (PAP) on the swallowing function for the patients in rehabilitation hospital.

The subjects included 18 elderly hospitalized patients whose body mass index was <18.5kg/m². All subjects wore maxillary complete denture. During a videofluoroscopic examination in which the patients were asked to swallow, post-swallowing pyriform sinus residue was detected. The subjects' maxillary dentures were then modified into PAPs by recording tongue movement in the palatal region. The resulting swallowing dynamics were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively before and after fitting the PAP.

We found that fitting the PAP resulted in the resolution of aspiration in two patients and disappearance of pharyngeal residue in three. The pharyngeal delay and transit times were significantly shortened.

These results demonstrated that PAPs could be beneficial treatment devices that may reduce post-swallowing pharyngeal residue formation due to decreased muscle strength.