The immediate role of the dentist in the maxillectomy patient.

It is imperative that comprehensive planning takes place for the potential maxillectomy patient. Input from the dentist is required for all stages of the procedure, from initial consultation to placement of the final prosthesis. By utilizing an interim dental prosthesis (splint), the impact of tissue loss, wound fibrosis and neurological damage can be minimized. In this paper, the authors address the initial stage in the treatment sequence, the surgical splint.