The Effectiveness of Palatal Augmentation Prosthesis for Dysphagia

Abstract

A prosthetic approach that aims to improve swallowing function has been used recently, although there are no criteria for indication and methods for using it. Therefore, we conducted an investigation to verify the effectiveness of palatal augmentation prosthesis (PAP) which is commonly used for patients with dysphagia. A prospective cohort study was conducted that compared the effect of dysphagia training with or without PAP. The first evaluation was performed after two weeks from the first examination for 74 patients in the PAP group, and then training with PAP was performed. The second evaluation was done 2 weeks after the first evaluation. The schedule of the first and second evaluations was the same for the 68 patients in the without-PAP group. We found the indication depended on tongue movement or dysarthria rather than the primary disease. Swallowing reflex, pharyngeal residue and dysarthria were improved in the dysphagia patients with tongue dysfunction and the improvement was significantly larger in the PAP group than in the without-PAP group. Oral intake improves patients’ lives, such as patients begin to want to go out, or have more opportunity to have conversation. PAP is useful, but merely a supportive apparatus and compensative approach. Therefore, we must recognize that continuous exercise is important to improve paralyzed function.