Conservative prosthodontic management and quality of life assessment in geriatric patients undergoing oral cancer resection: a case series

Background Radical surgical resection as a treatment modality for oral cancer often results in extensive defects of the maxilla-palate or mandible, which can be repaired via maxillofacial surgical techniques and prosthetic rehabilitation. Case presentation: This case series presents the use of removable prostheses as a conservative alternative to repeated surgeries for the reconstruction of maxillofacial defects following oral cancer resection; the first case involves a maxillary defect with palatal fistula, treated with a palatal obturator prosthesis; the second involves a mandibular defect with radiation-induced osteomyelitis, treated with a removable partial denture; and the third involves a failed prosthetic reconstruction of a mandibular defect, treated with a removable partial denture for secondary rehabilitation. All three patients were satisfied with the functional and aesthetic outcomes of their prostheses during the one-year follow-up, with a marked postoperative improvement in quality of life. Conclusions This case series highlight a safe and predictable therapy option for the rehabilitation of maxillofacial defects after oral cancer surgery in well-selected situations, thereby improving both functional outcomes and quality of life in eligible oral cancer patients.