Name of the Procedure:

Impression and Custom Preparation; Palatal Augmentation Prosthesis
Common name(s): Palatal lift prosthesis, Speech bulb prosthesis.
Medical term: Palatal augmentation prosthesis.

Summary

The procedure involves taking an impression of the palate and preparing a custom prosthesis that fits the roof of the mouth. This prosthesis helps improve speech and swallowing by compensating for structural or functional deficiencies in the palate.

Purpose

Medical Condition:

This procedure addresses velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), a condition where the soft palate does not close properly against the back of the throat during speech or swallowing, resulting in nasal air escape and speech problems.

Goals:

• Improve speech clarity.
• Prevent nasal regurgitation of food and liquids.
• Enhance overall swallowing efficiency.

Indications

Symptoms/Conditions:

• Hypernasality in speech.
• Nasal regurgitation.
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).

Patient Criteria:

• Diagnosed with VPI.
• Inadequate response to speech therapy.
• Structural abnormalities (e.g., cleft palate, post-surgical changes).

Preparation

Instructions for Patients:

• No specific dietary restrictions or fasting required.
• Maintain good oral hygiene before the appointment.

Diagnostic Tests:

• Speech evaluation.
• Nasopharyngoscopy to assess the structure and function of the soft palate.

Procedure Description

• The dentist or prosthodontist will first take an impression of your palate using a dental impression material to capture an accurate mold of the area.
• The impression is sent to a dental lab where a custom prosthesis is crafted.
• During the fitting appointment, the prosthesis will be adjusted for comfort and function.
• The prosthesis may be attached to existing dentures or designed as a standalone device.

Tools and Equipment:

• Dental impression trays.
• Impression material (e.g., alginate or silicone).
• Prosthetic design tools.

Anesthesia:

• Generally, no anesthesia is required.

Duration

• Impression taking: Approximately 30 minutes.
• Fitting and adjustment: 1-2 hours.

Setting

• Outpatient dental clinic or prosthodontist's office.

Personnel

• Prosthodontist or dentist.
• Dental assistant.

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Minor discomfort during impression taking.
• Initial speech adaptation difficulties.

Rare Risks:

• Sore spots in the mouth from prosthesis pressure.
• Allergic reactions to impression materials.

Management:

• Follow-up appointments for prosthesis adjustments.
• Use of soothing oral gels if sore spots occur.

Benefits

Expected Benefits:

• Enhanced speech clarity within a few weeks.
• Improved swallowing and reduced nasal regurgitation immediately after fitting.

Recovery

Post-procedure Care:

• Regular cleaning of the prosthesis.
• Follow-up visits for adjustments and evaluation.

Recovery Time:

• Immediate ability to wear the prosthesis.
• Adaptation period for speech improvements may take several weeks.

Alternatives

• Speech therapy alone, although less effective for structural VPI.
• Surgical correction (e.g., pharyngeal flap surgery), which is more invasive and carries surgical risks.

Pros and Cons:

• Prosthesis: Non-invasive, reversible, adjustable.
• Surgery: Permanent solution, requires recovery time, potential surgical risks.

Patient Experience

During Procedure:

• Slight discomfort during impression material setting.
• Feeling of pressure during fitting.

After Procedure:

• Period of adjustment to speaking with the prosthesis.
• Minimal post-procedure discomfort.
• Regular oral hygiene and prosthesis maintenance to ensure comfort and functionality. Pain management is generally not required due to the non-invasive nature of the procedure.