J Korean Acad Prosthodont.  2013 Oct;51(4):347-352. 10.4047/jkap.2013.51.4.347.

Prosthetic rehabilitation for a glossectomy patient: a clinical report

• Yoon J
• Lee S
• Lee J
• Oh N

• KMID: 2000160
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4047/jkap.2013.51.4.347

Abstract

Malignant tumours of the oral cavity that require resection of the tongue result in severe deficiencies in speech and deglutition. In such patients, improvements in mastication, swallowing, and speech may be reasonable goals for treatment. The viability of a prosthodontic approach to treatment depends on the type and extent of surgery. In a total glossectomy, a mandibular tongue prosthesis is the treatment of choice. Mandibular tongue prosthesis occupies the space in the floor of the oral cavity. It provides the patients with a platform for directing food into the esophagus and aids in speaking. This type of prosthesis can achieve that protection of the underlying fragile tissue and improvement in appearance and psychosocial adjustment. This case report describes the technical steps involved in prosthetic rehabilitation for a glossectomy patient.

Keyword

Prosthetic rehabilitation; Glossectomy; Palatal augmentation prosthesis; Mandibular tongue prosthesis

MeSH Terms

Deglutition
Esophagus
Glossectomy*
Humans
Mastication
Mouth
Prostheses and Implants
Prosthodontics
Tongue

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Initial intraoral state of patient after surgery. A: at rest, B: at elevation of tongue.

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  Fig. 2. Preliminary impression.

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  Fig. 3. Making of Diagnostic cast model.

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  Fig. 4. Block out of diagnostic cast model. A: on the top aspect, B: on the back aspect.

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  Fig. 5. The manufacture of resin frame work. A: on the top aspect, B: on the side aspect, C: on the back aspect, D: reduced posterior area (arrow) .

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  Fig. 6. Prosthesis after taking the functional impression using COE-SOFT (arrow). A: on the tongue aspect, B: on the top aspect.

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  Fig. 7. Patient's intraoral photograph at elevation of tongue after 4 months.

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  Fig. 8. Final interim mandibular tongue prosthesis. A: intraoral photo, B: on the tongue aspect, C: on the top aspect.

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