Velopharyngeal Insufficiency after Dental Trauma: A Case Report

Objective: Velopharyngeal insufficiency is usually defined as failure of the velopharyngeal sphincter (mainly: velum, lateral and posterior pharyngeal walls) to separate the oropharynx from the nasopharyngeal space during speech and deglutition resulting in swallowing and speech difficulties with adverse effects on communication skills and the psychological status of the patient. Methods: We present the first case of VPI after injudicious dental extraction that resulted in extensive, left side, full thickness palatal trauma jeopardizing the posterior part of the hard palate, the adjacent area of the soft palate, the inferior and posterolateral maxillary walls and the pterygoid plates. Results: After discussion of modalities of treatment, the non-surgical approach was the preferred choice of the patient, and a palatal prosthesis was designed. Conclusion: Injudicious dental extraction could be considered as a cause of VPI. Prosthetic rehabilitation might be a simple choice leading to satisfactory results for the patient.