Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Consideration in the Management of Patients with Oral Cancer
摘要
Oral cancer, primarily due to squamous cell carcinoma, is known to be the sixth most common cancer worldwide. The pillars of management are Surgery, Radiotherapy, and Chemotherapy. These generally create large functional and aesthetic deficits. Prosthetic rehabilitation improves these patients' quality of life, restores oral functions, and improves appearance. The present research is concerned with the issues pertaining to prosthetic rehabilitation of oral cancer patients according to treatment planning, rehabilitation process, and follow-up following treatment. It points out that the multidisciplinary approach, starting from the very beginning of maxillofacial prosthodontists' involvement, is required for the establishment of optimal outcomes. Three-dimensional modeling is a new technology in which the prosthesis is made with great accuracy, fitting each patient's specific needs. Prostheses-supported implants form an integral part of the reconstructive processes, most importantly complex mandible and maxilla resections. These procedures reduce distress via improvements of posttreatment speech and posttreatment masticatory efficiency and an improvement in self-esteem. Frequent complications include mucositis, osteoradionecrosis, and xerostomia; these call for thorough pretreatment planning as well as postoperative follow-up care. Preventive strategies include oral hygiene maintenance and early integration of dental implants during the surgical procedure for long-term success. To meet the anatomical, functional, and psychological needs of oral cancer survivors, tailored rehabilitation strategies have been required.