Treatment Modalities For Mandibulectomy Patients

Prosthodontic modifications can be accomplished to compensate for deficits that are not correctable with surgical reconstruction. Mandibulectomy patients suffer numerous problems with mastication, speech, and deglutition due to anatomical compromise resulting from tumor resection. Rehabilitation of rudimentary function of speech and swallowing should be of paramount for all Prosthodontist. Prosthodontist should strive to maintain existing mandibular dentition because it will be important to retain prostheses that are necessary to support the lips and stabilize the mandible for swallowing. While prosthesis can replace dentition to aid in mastication, the effect on mastication is a secondary prosthetic benefit compared with rehabilitation of the rudimentary function of speech and swallowing that these prosthesis offer. Success of prosthesis for resected edentulous mandible is directly related to the amount of remaining bone, the number and integrity of remaining teeth and continuity and discontinuity of the bone defect.