Prosthodontic Approach After Mandibular Dredging: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Treatment with prosthetic approaches in postoperative patients varies greatly. One of the maxillofacial prostheses is the obturator type. This device is used to close the defect and restore stomatognathic function. There are types of obturator prostheses. immediate, interim, and definitive obturator. The interim obturator acts as a prosthesis that prevents bone fractures during regeneration and restores the patient's esthetics. The sequence of stages of treatment with an obturator includes wearing an immediate postoperative obturator and then replaced with an interim obturator. This obturator is used during the healing period. If there is no recurrence of the tumor and no further surgical procedure is required, then a definitive obturator can be created approximately 3-6 months after surgery.

Objective: Provide information about patient management after mandibular dredging to close defects and restore optimal function and esthetics.

Case: A 22-year-old female patient came to the prosthodontics department for referrals from the Oral Maxillofacial Surgery department of Universitas Hasanuddin Hospital after dredging mandibular and extraction of teeth 43,44,45 and 46. There was a defect in the right posterior mandible.

case management: The patient will be rehabilitated using an interim obturator prosthetic around 3 weeks after surgery. The obturator is made of acrylic and soft acrylic resin in the defect area. Interim obturator treatment aims to stabilize the remaining tissue and keep bones from fracture.

Conclusion: After dredging the mandibular process, the interim obturator will restore the lost structure and act as a barrier to defects.