Facial prosthetic rehabilitation: preprosthetic surgical techniques and biomaterials.
OBJECTIVE
Attention to detail ensuring a successful facial prosthetic rehabilitation must be considered a priority at the time of presurgery, surgery, and at every stage in fabricating the prosthesis. Teamwork between the surgeon and maxillofacial prosthodontist will ensure an optimal surgical preparation and definitive prosthesis.


RESULTS
Evidence of interaction between team members can most certainly be encouraging to the patient. During the prosthetic phase of treatment, focusing on tissue assessment, impression making, sculpting, mold fabrication, familiarity with materials, appreciation of color, delivery of instructions, and patient education will ensure a satisfactory outcome. With the desire, determination, and encouragement from the restorative team to make the most of this artificial replacement, a patient can have a higher quality of life and a more normalized lifestyle.


CONCLUSIONS
This review presents current concepts regarding facial prosthetic rehabilitation of patients with head and neck cancer and facial prosthetic biomaterials.
Lemon
James C
JC
Section of Oncologic Dentistry, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Kiat-amnuay
Sudarat
S
Gettleman
Lawrence
L
Martin
Jack W
JW
Chambers
Mark S
MS
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005137:Eye, Artificial; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008447:Maxillofacial Prosthesis; D009915:Orbit / Q000601:surgery; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011788:Quality of Life
D001672:Biocompatible Materials