[Application of the palatal ramp in a reconstructed mandibulectomy patient].

PATIENT A 70-year-old patient with reconstructed mandibulectomy presented to our clinic with a complaint of denture instability. Due to left mandibular gingival cancer, she had received segmental resection of the left mandible and reconstruction with the fibula. An intraoral examination revealed few intermaxillary occlusal contacts due to the deviation of the mandibular dental arch. A mandibular denture and maxillary prosthesis with palatal ramp were fabricated to provide sufficient occlusal contacts and bilateral balanced occlusion. DISCUSSION Regardless of reconstruction, a careful case history, combined with meticulous clinical evaluation was demanded in this mandibulectomy patient. The ramp on maxillary prosthesis could provide not only proper occlusal scheme but also stability of mandibular denture. CONCLUSION To improve masticatory function in a reconstructed mandibulectomy patient with deviated mandibular movement and disagreement of occlusion, maxillary prosthesis with palatal ramp was effective.