Functional Impression for Hemimandibulectomy Cases: An Alternative Technique

The management of hemimandibulectomy case is a challenge relative to rehabilitation following the surgical treatment as the soft-tissue defects compromise the denture stability, support and retention. A major factor to be considered in this regard is the support for the partial denture. If the supporting teeth or soft tissues are not used correctly and completely, subsequent mobility of abutment teeth and resorption of the residual ridge may be anticipated. The movement of denture base can be minimized by recording the tissue in functional form thereby reducing the undue tissue response.1 Corrected cast impressions are suggested by some authors in all removable partial dentures in partial mandibulectomy cases2,3 that include use of selective impression technique, fluid wax impression technique and materials such as modeling plastic, metallic oxide paste, fluid wax. A secondary impression made in custom tray attached to the framework only makes the definitive border control and tissue placement a bit easier. These procedures are rather time-consuming. Functional impression can also be made in an individualized full arch tray provided, the ridge is recorded under some loading. An alternative technique using two different materials in custom tray is described here.