Oral Rehabilitation of Maxillectomy Patients Affected with Post-COVID Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis Utilising Conventional and Digital Techniques

Maxillectomy is the surgical removal or resection of the maxilla or upper jaw bone. Maxillectomy is performed during surgical treatment for cancer and infections of the oral cavity, nasal cavity and maxillary sinuses. Patients affected by post-COVID mucormycosis require an aggressive surgical resection resulting in partial or complete maxillectomy. The oronasal communication following resection affects mastication, speech, and swallowing and has a profound psychological impact on the patient. Patients affected by post-COVID mucormycosis reported for definitive rehabilitation following partial or total maxillectomy. Partial maxillectomy patients were rehabilitated with a DMLS designed metal framework along with semi-precision attachment and hollow obturator fabricated using lost salt technique, whereas the complete maxillectomy patient was rehabilitated with a magnet-retained two-part prosthesis (Part I: 3D printed Palatal obturator and Part II: conventional complete denture). 3D printing comprises data acquisition through various scanning technologies followed by data processing and designing the model with computer-aided design (CAD) software. Additional manufacturing through 3D printing provided various advantages such as accuracy, detail reproduction, reduced wastage of material, easier reproduction of complex structures as compared to the conventional approach. ln this presentation both conventional and digital approaches were used for the fabrication of prostheses. The ultimate goal is to provide a retentive and stable prosthesis to help patients overcome the social and psychological predicaments.