Maxillary Partial Obturator for Mucormycosis in a Post-COVID-19 Patient with Uncontrolled Type II Diabetes

Suonds Alareifi BDS1 ; John Levon, DDS, MSD2; Safa Alrashed3, BDS, MSD; Chao-Chieh Yang, DDS, MSD2

1- Prosthodontics Resident, Department of Prosthodontics, Indiana University School of Dentistry

2- Department of Prosthodontics, Indiana University School of Dentistry

3- PhD Student, Oral Biology, Ohio University School of Dentistry

 Introduction

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the angioinvasive fungal infection mucormycosis has become increasingly prominent, particularly in individuals with uncontrolled type II diabetes. The treatment of mucormycosis necessitates the aggressive surgical removal of all infected tissues, combined with systemic antifungal therapy. This rigorous approach often leads to significant health challenges, requiring comprehensive anatomical and functional rehabilitation.

Patient Overview

A 39 year old male presented with Aramany Class l defect of maxilla. Patient required a definitive obturator prosthesis to aid in speech and deglutition. This case report examines a patient who underwent subtotal maxillectomy due to mucormycosis following COVID-19.

Results 

The patient reported improvement in the deglutition of food and liquids due to an adequate seal of the maxillary defect. The patient was rehabilitated with a closed hollow bulb obturator, highlighting the importance of an accurate diagnosis for a successful outcome.

References: Ravi, M. B., Srinivas, S., Silina, E., Sengupta, S., Tekwani, T., & Achar, R. R. (2022). Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Rhino Orbital Mucormycosis Associated with COVID-19: A Case Series. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dentistry, 14, 1–10.