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In-house dental lab-based cranial prosthesis fabrication: a technical note.
Gunjan Chouksey1, Babu Lal2, Prateek Shakti3
1Department of Dentistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India.
Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
|September 9, 2024
Summary
This study presents a cost-effective method for creating custom cranial prostheses using heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in dental labs. This technique offers a viable alternative for cranial reconstruction, improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Neurosurgery
- Dental Technology
Background:
- Cranial defects necessitate prostheses when autologous bone grafting is not feasible.
- Custom cranial prostheses (e.g., PEEK, titanium) are effective but costly and limited in availability.
- Heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a preferred material for cranioplasty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a cost-effective, in-house fabrication method for heat-cured PMMA cranial prostheses.
- To adapt dental laboratory techniques for cranioplasty fabrication.
- To present a practical solution for widespread cranioplasty accessibility.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a lost-wax technique with 3D-printed custom open molds, similar to denture fabrication.
- Adapted a large stainless steel container (tiffin box) with M-Seal epoxy for airtight curing of large PMMA implants.
- Implemented the technique in a standard dental laboratory setting.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated and fitted four custom heat-cured PMMA cranial prostheses.
- Reported high patient satisfaction with the prostheses.
- Observed no complications in the treated patients.
Conclusions:
- In-house fabrication of heat-cured PMMA cranial prostheses is a viable and cost-effective solution.
- The described method overcomes challenges associated with large PMMA cranioplast fabrication.
- This approach enhances accessibility to custom cranial reconstruction.
