title: Oral rehabilitation using pre-shaped Epitec fixation systems after extensive maxillary tumor surgery.
abstract: Reconstruction of maxillary defects represents a major challenge for reconstructive surgeons. The authors describe two cases of malignant tumor on the maxilla that were successfully repaired using the immediate installation of prostheses supported with an Epitec-system during maxilla reconstruction. The Epitec-plates provided a strong retention source for the maxillodental prosthesis. To reduce the operation time and improve conformity to the remaining bone shape, a craniofacial skull model was fabricated using stereo-lithographic techniques. After trimming the model to simulate segmental resection, Epitec-plates were shaped to match the defect. A united Epitec-plate was fixed to the remaining bone immediately and easily after tumor resection. An immediate maxillary prosthesis was placed and was functional at the end of surgery. The Epitec-system provides effective materials for immediate prosthesis of extensive maxillary defects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saga Medical School, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan. yamashy2@cc.saga-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Yoshio
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yamashita
authors.forename: Masahito
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shigematsu
authors.forename: Masaaki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Goto
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003831:Denture, Partial, Immediate; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008441:Maxillary Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D003765:Models, Dental; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome