Prosthodontic rehabilitation for glossectomy patients.

Patients with oral carcinomas often have resection of the tongue, the floor of the mouth, or the bone of the mandible. Postoperatively, these patients encounter chewing, swallowing, and speech problems. Oral rehabilitation through prosthetic management can aid in alleviating these problems. Designs of the prosthesis vary according to patient needs. A "snap-on" tongue prosthesis or palatal augmentation prosthesis can be constructed. Total glossectomy patients require prosthetic intervention on a mandibular framework. Partial glossectomy patients require prosthetic augmentation on a maxillary framework. Through prosthetic management of this type, articulation and resonance are improved, food is more easily directed into the esophagus, tissues are protected and socialization is enhanced through improved appearance.