Full-Mouth Digital Dental Rehabilitation Under General Anesthesia in a Post-Treatment Intraoral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patient: A Case Report

TL;DR

A 58-year-old woman with a history of oral cancer underwent digital dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia to restore her oral function and appearance.

Contribution

Demonstrates the effectiveness of combining general anesthesia and CAD/CAM technology for complex dental rehabilitation in post-cancer patients.

Findings

Digital techniques and general anesthesia enabled precise and comfortable treatment for a complex case.

The approach preserved teeth and minimized extractions while achieving functional and aesthetic success.

Hospital-based treatment under GA is effective for patients with compromised oral structures post-cancer therapy.

Abstract

Background: The treatment of head and neck cancer primarily involves surgical tumor removal combined with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. It often leads to significant side effects, impacting the anatomical structures of the oral cavity and resulting in major functional, esthetic, and socio-relational alterations. Case presentation: This clinical report aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of a hospital-based approach incorporating general anesthesia (GA) and computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology in the oral rehabilitation of a 58-year-old woman in remission from intraoral squamous cell carcinoma of the mandibular symphysis. The patient presented with oral pain, radiation-induced caries, reduced occlusal vertical dimension, and severely compromised teeth. Treatment Approach: The treatment plan included the removal of two non-restorable teeth, root canal treatment for the remaining teeth, and the placement of ceramic crowns and a partial removable prosthesis. Due to the complexity of the case and the patient’s limitations, the treatment was performed under GA, allowing for a staged approach. Digital technologies, including intraoral scanning and CAD-CAM, enhanced precision and patient comfort. This approach facilitated tooth preservation and minimized the number of extractions while achieving satisfactory functional and esthetic outcomes. Conclusion: The case highlights the value of GA and digital techniques in managing special-needs patients with a history of irradiated head and neck cancer.

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