Mandibular guidance prosthesis: Conventional and innovative approach: A case series

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Prosthodontics
• Reconstructive Dentistry

Background:

• Surgical resection of the lower jaw (hemimandibulectomy) for tumors is a common cause of mandibular deviation.
• Early prosthodontic intervention is vital to prevent deviation during the healing and graft acceptance period.
• A guide flange prosthesis (GFP) is indicated to manage this clinical manifestation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the early prosthodontic management of three patients following hemimandibulectomy.
• To present different fabrication techniques for a guide flange prosthesis (GFP).
• To highlight the importance of timely prosthodontic intervention in preventing mandibular deviation.

Main Methods:

• Case series describing early prosthodontic management after hemimandibulectomy.
• Fabrication of a guide flange prosthesis (GFP) using three distinct techniques.
• Two conventional fabrication methods and one innovative approach were utilized.

Main Results:

• Successful application of guide flange prostheses (GFPs) in three patients post-hemimandibulectomy.
• Demonstration of varied GFP fabrication techniques, including a novel method.
• Facilitation of mandibular muscle training and occlusal rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

• Early prosthodontic rehabilitation with a guide flange prosthesis (GFP) is essential after hemimandibulectomy.
• Diverse fabrication techniques for GFPs can be employed to manage mandibular deviation.
• Timely intervention aids in restoring mandibular function and occlusal relationships.