Futuristic Rehabilitation Technique Of Acquired Maxillectomy Defect In Post Covid19 Mucormycosis Using Polyether Ether Ketone Obturator Prosthesis- A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Oroantral communication can occur due to maxillectomy defects, jeopardizing the integrity and function of oral cavity. It is an interdisciplinary challenge to restore these by surgery and prosthetics since many facets need to be addressed, such as speech, deglutition, mastication, aesthetics and psychological distress.

Rationale: Surgical repair of maxillectomy defects is not always achievable due to various reasons such as poor systemic health, advanced age etc. Thus prosthetic rehabilitation becomes the most suitable treatment option.

Relevance for Patients: Post COVID-19 mucormycosis has seen a surge in the past two years. It is an opportunistic fungal infection in humans infecting intracranial structures by direct invasion in the blood stream. Fundamental goal of prosthetic rehabilitation is the closure of oronasal communication and restoring it functionally thereby improving quality of life for the patient. CAD/CAM (computer aided design/computer aided milling) technology was employed to fabricate a milled framework for maxillary obturator in the most innovative way using PEEK (Polyether ether ketone).

Results:  PEEK material due to its excellent biocompatibility ensured a light weight prosthesis for the large maxillectomy defect and closure of the patency was achieved by the obturator framework.