Fundamentals of examination and diagnosis in maxillofacial prosthetic treatment

Abstract

Post-operative oral tumor patients, the primary target of maxillofacial prosthetic treatment, present complex and diverse oral environmental and functional problems due to surgical intervention. Prosthodontists must not be solely focused on the morphological change of the maxillofacial tissues, but must accurately identify the problems before selecting and designing the most appropriate devices for rehabilitation. This article will first explain the characteristics of oral environmental and functional problems and key points in examination for maxillary defect cases and mandibular (including tongue and floor of the mouth) defect cases. Next, a structured questionnaire useful for understanding the problems perceived by the patient will be introduced.