1987 Volume 12 Issue 3 Pages 254-260
A questionnaire was sent to 42 maxillary prosthesis wearers in order to evaluate the relationship between maxillofacial defects and functional recovery. For 37 patients who responded to the questionnaire, those having maxillary defects were classified according to the HS classification, while those having mandibular defects were classified according to the amount of mandible that remained after resection and surgical reconstruction. These patients were then evaluated mainly in terms of mastication and pronunciation recovery rate. Masticatory ability was based upon the “Matsuura Evaluation Chart of Masticatory Ability,” while pronunciation was judged upon the ability to carry on daily conversation.
The results revealed that as the defect of the hard palate and alveolus of the maxilla increased, mastication and pronunciation disability also increased. Occlusal relationship concerning the number of anchored teeth was also thought to be a factor in the recovery of mastication. No apparent relationship seemed to appear between the defect of soft palate, the degree of mouth opening and the recovery rate of mastication and pronunciation. In mandibular defects, the number of anchored teeth, the occlusal relationship, the mandibular deviation, and the degree of surgical damage upon the tongue all had an apparent effect on functional recovery.
