Mandibular guidance prosthesis: Conventional and innovative approach: A case series

Abstract

Surgical resection of the lower jaw due to the presence of a benign or malignant tumor is the most frequent cause of mandibular deviation. Location and extent of the tumor decide the surgical modality of mandibulectomy to be performed. The clinician must wait for an adequate span of time for completion of the healing and acceptance of the osseous graft before considering a definitive prosthesis. During the inceptive healing period, prosthodontic intervention is of utmost priority for preventing the mandibular deviation. A corrective appliance termed 'guide flange prosthesis (GFP)' is indicated to limit this clinical manifestation. The basic intention of rehabilitation is to train the mandibular muscles and to re-establish an acceptable occlusal relationship so that the patient can adequately control the opening and closing movements. This case series describes early prosthodontic management of three patients who had undergone hemimandibulectomy, with different techniques of fabrication of a GFP. The three techniques described consist of two conventional methods of fabrication while the third technique is a new innovative approach.