A Simplified Approach for Hollowing and Retrofitting Distal Extension Partial Denture in a Patient with Unilateral Maxillectomy

The need for repairing a removable partial denture occasionally arises in clinical practice. The common causes for repair of removal partial denture include tissue changes of the residual ridge, breakage or distortion of denture components and complications that arise in the remaining teeth. Distal extension partial dentures are particularly affected as the tissue-base relationship changes over time because of residual ridge resorption. Besides, changes in the tissues supporting a maxillofacial prosthesis may be more rapid than in those supporting a more conventional prosthesis. This results in unhygienic conditions, trapping of debris beneath the denture base, and patient discomfort. Thus, periodic relining of the distal extension removable partial denture is essential. The potential drawback of relining procedure is increase in the weight of the prosthesis which may compromise its stability and retention. This article describes a clinical situation ofa 45-years-old male patient presented to the Department of Prosthodontics and Maxillofacial Prosthetics with a chief complain of ill-fitting maxillary removable partial denture (RPD). A comprehensive examination revealed a maxillary defect resulting for partial resection of left maxilla.The existing RPD was heavy and had a poor tissue adaptation on the defect side and compromised appearance. The treatment plan included hollowing and retrofitting of a distal extension RPD using an altered cast impression technique.