Treatment of maxillary tumours requires a multidisciplinary approach due to impacts on oral functions, aesthetics, and psychological well-being. Rehabilitation methods depend on tumour characteristics, defect size and position, patient health, and related conditions. Advanced digital planning techniques, such as three-dimensional virtual surgical planning (3D VSP), enhance accuracy and predictability for head and neck oncology surgeries.
This thesis of Nathalie Vosselman contributes to optimizing 3D workflows by integrating maxillary surgical planning with virtual planning of complex prosthodontic rehabilitation, resulting in personalized and improved care for head and neck cancer patients.
Early involvement of the maxillofacial prosthodontist (MFP) in the head and neck oncology care pathway ensures that the patient receives an early understanding of the prosthetic possibilities in combination with the surgical treatments required.
The importance and benefits of 3D planning of prosthodontic rehabilitation are emphasised in a comprehensive 3D workflow for immediate implant-fixed prosthetic rehabilitation in one procedure with maxillary resection. Subsequent patient studies demonstrated good accuracy of zygomatic implant positioning and fit of obturator prostheses, with high survival rates for zygomatic implants. Also the patient reported outcomes showed good results.
3D workflows also stimulate design of patient-specific implants (PSI) which offer solutions for large maxillary defects when more conventional treatments are not feasible. The described novel 3D prosthodontic workflows optimize complex prosthetic rehabilitation in combination with maxillary resection surgery. Extending the possibilities of adequate prosthodontic rehabilitation by using 3d workflows have a direct positive impact on oral functions and quality of life of head and neck cancer patients.
