Prosthodontic and speech rehabilitation after partial and complete glossectomy

Combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy for head and neck malignancies

“…34 Speech sounds are produced when the airflow passes through vibrating (vocal cords) and resonating (pharynx and the oral and nasal cavities) systems, and finally through a partially or totally occluded oral cavity. Two types of speech sounds are produced: vowels and consonants.…”

Prosthodontic management of swallowing disorders

“…Mandibular prostheses have been fabricated for patients with total glossectomy who had intact mandibular alveolar ridge and/or mandibular teeth that could be used to stabilize the tongue prosthesis [70][71][72][73]. Aramany et al [71] even advocated two interchangeable silicone tongue prostheses, one for speech (with an elevated tip) and one for swallowing (with a trough in the posterior to guide food into the pharynx).…”

“…This combined defect, with its associated mandibular deviation, leaves them particularly incapacitated during mastication and swallowing. Other factors influencing prosthetic rehabilitation of the glossectomy patient are neuromuscular coordination, mental competence, and motivation [70].…”

Prosthetic Management of Total Glossectomy Patients

“…Management of such pathological conditions includes partial or total resection of tongue. 1 The treatment modality and its severity depends on factors, such as duration and size of the lesion as well location of the tumor. Irrespective of the extent of the surgical resection, oral form and functions are affected.…”

“…Several investigators have used modified oral prostheses for the psychological and physical rehabilitation of these individuals which is an enormous task and has restored the oral functions. 1 Lehman WL et al designed a prosthesis for the complete glossectomized patient. An acrylic resin mantle was attached to the mandibular denture and contoured to interchange with the palate of the maxillary denture.…”