Early rehabilitation of facial defects using interim removable prostheses: A clinical case report
A 58-year-old woman presented to the dental hospital for prosthetic evaluation after a rhinectomy. The examination revealed a partial nasal resection leaving the bridge of the nose intact []. Healing was noted to be progressing well, though residual swelling and tenderness persisted. Patient expressed dissatisfaction with her appearance and was especially concerned about attending an upcoming social event because of her facial disfigurement. The patient elected to proceed with the fabrication of an interim nasal prosthesis.\nA facial moulage was made using standard dental impression material to permit the fabrication of a stone cast [] of the face. A model of the planned nasal prosthesis was sculpted in wax on this resultant cast using the remaining normal anatomic landmarks for reference []. An interim nasal prosthesis was processed from the wax model using self-cure acrylic resin with extrinsic coloring incorporated to match the surrounding skin tones. The bridge of the nose provided enhanced support for the prosthesis and eyeglass frames. At the subsequent 4-week follow-up appointment, the prosthesis was noted to be functioning well. Patient stated that she was satisfied with the cosmetic resulting [] and had felt very comfortable attending the social event while wearing the prosthesis. Definitive surgical reconstruction was scheduled to be performed at a later date.\nWhite surgical tape was used to permit easy masking, to anticipate discrepancies in marginal fit as healing progressed and to create the illusion of a less extensive surgical procedure having been performed. Retention of the prosthesis was obtained through the use of a medical-grade adhesive augmented by surgical tape, eyeglasses and the use of an eye patch over the prosthetic eye and tied behind the head. Patient accommodated the prosthesis well and was discharged to return to his out-of-state home with plans to return for reconstructive surgery after an adequate disease-free period had elapsed.