Rehabilitation of Hemi-mandibulectomy Defects: A Prosthetic Approach

Hemimandibulectomy, the surgical resection of one lateral half of the mandible, results in significant functional and esthetic challenges. These include mandibular deviation, impaired mastication, speech difficulties, and facial disfigurement. Prosthetic rehabilitation plays a vital role in restoring these functions and improving the quality of life for affected patients. The management approach depends on the extent of resection, the presence or absence of remaining teeth, and whether the defect is reconstructed surgically. This review outlines various prosthetic strategies, including guidance flange prostheses, palatal ramps, mandibular guide prostheses, and definitive obturator or implant-supported prostheses. Early intervention with interim prostheses can help in muscle reprogramming and minimizing deviation. An interdisciplinary approach involving maxillofacial surgeons, prosthodontists, and speech therapists is essential for successful rehabilitation. The prosthetic management of hemimandibulectomy patients requires meticulous planning, patient-specific customization, and ongoing evaluation to achieve optimal functional and esthetic results.