Scientific Article
Scientific Article Prosthodontic and surgical considerations for pediatric patients requiring maxillectomy Jack W. Martin, DDS, MS Mark S. Chambers, DMD, MS James C. Lemon, DDS Bela B. Toth, MS, DDS John F. Helfrick, DDS, MS Abstract head and neck tumors of the maxillofacial region. In The quality of treatment and rehabilitation for the head such diseases, the principal treatment option is surgi- and neck cancer patient, especially the pediatric patient, cal resection of the maxilla (maxillectomy), which may has progressed markedly over the years due to the coopera- produce pronounced deficits and cosmetic deformi- tion of specialists involved in the total care of the patient. ties. Consequently, when a maxillectomy is required Defects of the oral cavity caused by trauma or removal of for treating benign or malignant disease, the maxillofa- malignant or benign tissue require special treatment con- cial prosthodontist must be included in the assessment siderations with the pediatric patient. Aside from radiation of the patient prior to surgery. Many articles describe and chemotherapy, other forms of adjuvant therapy, such the surgical and prosthodontic management of the adult as physical therapy, and patient and family counseling, are maxillectomy patient, but little information exists about needed for proper rehabilitation. In addition, oral hygiene management of the pediatric maxillectomy patient. This is essential in the overall rehabilitative process. Pediatric article discusses preoperative evaluation, and surgical dental, orthodontic, prosthodontic, and oral and maxillofa- and prosthodontic considerations of children diagnosed cial surgery specialties become integrated in treating the with maxillary cancer or benign disease. Postsurgical pediatricpatient. The concentrated multidisciplinary treat- care and growth considerations also are presented.
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