Norman G. Schaaf

Comparison of weight reduction in different designs of solid and hollow obturator prostheses.

Seven types of the partially edentulous maxillectomy arches based on Aramanys classification were designed to evaluate the weight reduction of hollow obturator prostheses. Six obturator prostheses were made for each type of maxillary defect, three of the solid type and three of the hollow type. The weight of each of the 42 obturator prostheses was measured and all of the data were collected and statistically analyzed. The results showed that the hollow obturator prostheses had significantly increased weight reduction, from 6.55% to 33.06% depending on the size of the defect.

Prosthodontic and speech rehabilitation after partial and complete glossectomy

A multidisciplinary approach to the rehabilitation of four glossectomy patients has been presented. Points emphasized were the anatomic defects, their effect on the three oral functions of mastication, deglutition, and speech, and the various prosthetic modifications found most effective to restore the impaired oral functions.

Color characterizing silicone rubber facial prostheses

Abstract Silicone rubber is the facial prosthetic material available today which most nearly meets the prerequisites of an “ideal” material. One of its major disadvantages has been the difficulty of further color-characterizing it once a prosthesis has been shaped. A method is described wherein oil colors are tattooed into the surface of prostheses. This technique affords great versatility in tinting while resulting in a permanent coloring that does not obliterate the surface texture.

Oral reconstruction for edentulous patients after partial mandibulectomies

The prosthodontic reconstruction of the patient who has had a partial mandibulectomy is a formidable challenge. A realistic view of the positive and negative factors must be maintained so that unrealistic promises are not made by the prosthodontist and no unfulfilled hopes are left for the patient. Because of the instability of the mandibular denture, the patients relaxed central position is used as the jaw relationship for setting posterior teeth with flat occlusal surfaces to allow for lateral freedom of mandibular movements.

Custom surgical stent for naris stenosis.

A technique has been described that allows accurate fabrication of a surgical nasal stent, made preoperatively, based on a mirror image of the shape of the normal naris. The advantage to the surgeon is a surgical stent that has the greatest accuracy possible preoperatively, plus the ability to remake the stent postoperatively with even more accuracy should it be needed. This stent can then be worn long term with minimal visibility and maximum patient acceptance during the critical months postoperatively when relapse is most likely.

Dental complications in the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma of the oral cavity in children.

Abstract Rhabdomyosarcoma, a muscle tissue tumor, is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma of childhood. Recurrence is a prominent feature. Metastases spread via blood and lymph routes. Treatment of this tumor usually involves a combination of surgery, irradiation, and chemotherapy. Management of rhabdomyosarcoma in or around the oral cavity may lead to severe oral and dental complications. The oral stoma in children is small to begin with, scar tissue after surgery produces trismus, and the side effects of radiation make the dentition very prone to decay. Oral hygiene and dental maintenance are very difficult under these conditions. Cooperation between physician and dentist in planning and treatment is very important in these cases in order to minimize posttherapy complications.

Custom fabricated silicone rubber implants for tissue augmentation--a review.

Forty-five silicone rubber implants fabricated over a 13-year period for tissue augmentation in 44 patients were reviewed. All implants were custom-made with perforations using 382 RTV silicone elastomer. High rates of success and patient compatibility have been recorded.

Fabrication of the ocular portion of an orbital prosthesis

0 cular prostheses utilized in maxillofacial prosthetics are often constructed using commercially available stock eyes? that must be modified to the requirements of the prosthesis. Various iris characterizations and sizes are available, but coloration on an individualized basis is more esthetically effective. The curvature of the sclera and cornea of the stock eyes is sometimes too extreme for patients whose eyes reveal a great deal of the canthus. Achieving an effective likeness of the patient’s orbital features is thwarted by the commercial globe which is too small. Although custommade eye prostheses are preferred, traditional ocular processing** 2 requires methods too complicated and time-consuming to be satisfactory when a large number must be made. It is possible to construct individualized ocular prostheses that fulfill the demands of an orbital prosthesis without employing heat curing. This article outlines a fabrication sequence for ocular prostheses that utilizes cold-curing resins and vacuum forming procedures.

Controlling the porosity and density of silicone rubber prosthetic materials

The chemical components of the four silicone rubber polymers were reviewed. Methods of controlling the porosity and density of both the one-component semisolid prepolymer and the two-component fluid prepolymer systems were evaluated. The variables examined were deairing of the fluid systems; trial packing, pressure sealing, and processing of the semisolid materials; injection versus hand packing of the mold; the effects of moist-heat versus dry-heat application during processing; and the need for investment of the mold within the confines of a closed flask. It can be concluded that porosity of medical-grade silicone rubber polymers may be totally prevented, or accurately controlled, by proper handling techniques.

Superiorly based obturator

Summary A technique has been described for treatment of a maxillary defect when the conventional intraoral approach is not feasible. The procedure provides a means of immediate treatment whereby the patient can see a positive result and an immediate improvement in condition. The temporary obturator is easy to handle and maintain. It returns the patient to a relatively normal existence until a more definitive treatment can be undertaken.