Intra+oral+prosthetics

Intra Oral Prosthetics



Intra Oral prosthetics can give structural support and compensation to the tongue post surgery. A maxillary shaping device, (also referred to as a palatal drop or palatal loweing prosthesis), lowers the palate and can be manipulated to facilitate contact with a weakened or partially resected tongue,so that the remaining tongue can make contact with the palate for speech and swallowing ( Pauloski, 2008). The maxillary shaping device can significantly reduce oral residue (Davis,Lazerus,Logemann,Hurst,1987). A study conducted by Logeman, Kahrilas, Hurst, Davis and Krugler ,(1989), showed that this prosthesis improves oral and pharyngeal transit of the bolus in patients who have undergone a partial glossectomy.The SLT must work closely with the maxillofacial prosthodontist to fabricate a prosthesis that is tailored to the individuals needs. For patients undergoing radiotherapy construction of the prosthesis should begin six - eight weeks after completion of treatment ( Byron et al., 2006).