Maxillofacial Rehabilitation During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the various oral care and prosthetic rehabilitation procedures done in patients with defects in the head and neck region during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methodology: Clinical, surgical defect related data and COVID-19 status were obtained from the chart of the patients for the duration of June 2020 to April 2021. Records of type of prosthesis and dental interventions done were acquired. A separate protocol to function under prevailing COVID-19 was developed. Results: Oro-dental evaluation was done for 612 head and neck cancer patients. Guide bite prosthesis (GBP) was delivered to 51, occlusal guard (OG) was provided to 41 patients. Surgical obturator was given to 6, intermediate obturator to 10 patients, intermediate obturator with GBP was given to 2 patients, and soft palate prosthesis to 2 patients. Management of 10 patients of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) and one patient of medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) was done. Conclusion: An evidence-based approach and triage of patients is necessary to address the needs of patients suffering from deformities of the jaw. Proper guidance, awareness, and prudence need to be exercised when managing such patients during COVID-19 pandemic. A protocol was formulated and the existing rehabilitation practices were adapted around it.

Keywords

• COVID-19, Jaw deformities, Maxillofacial prosthetics, Oral cancer, Osteoradionecrosis.