Applying Digital Technology to a Hollow Palatal Augmentation Prosthesis in an Older Adult Hemiglossectomy Patient: A Case Report

Objective

To report that digital technology for palatal augmentation prosthesis in older adult hemiglossectomy patients can be fabricated with less burden and effectively improves oral function.

Background

The palatal augmentation prosthesis is a dental prosthesis featuring a thickened palatal plate, designed for patients with significant tongue movement disorders to achieve proper contact between the tongue and the palate. This prosthesis compensates for the impaired tongue function and serves to improve both dysphagia and speech disorders in patients with post-operative oral cancer, cerebrovascular disease and oral frailty.

Materials and Methods

An 81-year-old patient, who had been treated for tongue cancer since theage of 72 and who underwent hemiglossectomy, required palatal augmentation prosthesisreproduction. The existing palatal augmentation prosthesis was scanned and 3D printed. The copied palatal augmentation prosthesis was then adjusted intraorally, scanned again and used to produce a new milled palatal augmentation prosthesis with cast metal clasps.

Result

The palatal augmentation prosthesis was fabricated in four appointments using a digital workflow, successfully restoring the patient's oral function without any adjustments. An oral hypofunction test was then performed, demonstrating satisfactory recovery.

Conclusion

Digital technology enables rapid fabrication of palatal augmentation prostheses with reduced patient burden, facilitating the creation of lightweight hollow prostheses that protect remaining teeth while ensuring satisfactory functional recovery.