Prosthodontic management of postsurgical soft tissue deformities associated with marginal mandibulectomy. Part I: Loss of the vestibule.

1. Marginal mandibulectomy patients with a postoperative obliteration of the vestibule were treated prosthodontically in accordance with the "denture space" concept. 2. All patients presented displayed adequate form and function with the prostheses during a period ranging from 2 to 6 years without being subjected to preprosthetic surgery. 3. The most important factor when considering prosthesis stability is the interrelationship between form and function of the orofacial structures rather than the mechanical factors of maximal bone coverage by the prosthesis.