The need for versatility in the prosthodontic treatment of maxillofacial defects.

The main objective of this study was to survey the different maxillofacial defects of patients who presented to the Wits Dental Hospital and to review the methods that have been used to rehabilitate these patients. Forty six patient records were retrieved from patients' files and from final year reports of prosthodontic postgraduate students. The data were used to determine the type of maxillofacial defects that these patients suffered from and the treatment that had been carried out. Duration and cost of treatment was also noted. The study showed that the majority of the patients' defects were caused by cancer resections, followed by trauma, clefts, burns, and infection. Most patients received conventional 'appropriatech' treatments such as the use of adhesive-retained prostheses, whilst a small number received more sophisticated 'high tech' treatments of implant rehabilitation. The need for versatility in the prosthodontic treatment of maxillofacial defects.