Immediate facial rehabilitation in cancer patients using CAD-CAM and rapid prototyping technology: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: This study describes the workflow in a procedure to create a provisional facial prosthesis for cancer patients using digital and rapid prototyping technologies without the need for supporting craniofacial implants.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

An integrated workflow procedure aimed at the construction of provisional silicone prosthesis was used to rehabilitate a facial disfigurement in a patient who had undergone ablative surgery of the midface. A laser scan of the defect was obtained, and a digital model of the patient's face was constructed using virtual mirroring of the healthy side and referencing the "Nose Digital Library."

RESULTS

The missing volume of the face was reconstructed, and a rapid-prototyped mold was devised to process the silicone prosthesis. A provisional eyeglasses-supported prosthesis designed with a CAD/CAM-projected titanium substructure was connected using the micro-components of implant prosthetic devices.

CONCLUSIONS

The workflow described herein offers a viable procedure for quickly restoring facial defects by means of provisional prosthetic rehabilitation.