Prosthodontic Rehabilitation in a Patient with Cocaine-Abuse Palatal Perforation: A Case Report

To highlight the complications associated with cocaine use, particularly focusing on oronasal perforations, and to demonstrate the efficacy of using a maxillary obturator for rehabilitating palatal defects to restore oral functions.

A 60-year-old male patient with a history of cocaine abuse presented with an oronasal perforation in the hard and soft palate after multiple surgical interventions. He reported issues with hypernasal speech and difficulties swallowing. A prosthodontic approach was employed: A removable obturator was fabricated using impression techniques with care to minimize weight and maximize functionality.

Post-delivery, the obturator successfully restored the patient's ability to speak and swallow normally, with significant improvements reported in esthetic outcomes. Regular follow-ups demonstrated the stability of the prosthesis.

The findings suggest that prosthetic rehabilitation with an obturator is a viable and effective solution for managing palatal perforations resulting from cocaine use, significantly improving oral functions and quality of life. This approach highlights the need for comprehensive treatment plans that include both prosthetic management and encouragement toward substance abstinence, emphasizing the multifaceted public health implications of cocaine addiction and its complications.