Effect of a lingual augmentation prosthesis for preventing salivation after subtotal glossectomy: A clinical report

Abstract

A lingual augmentation prosthesis (LAP) is an appliance attached to the mandible to increase swallowing by extending the denture base area. It has been proven that the swallowing function improves with the insertion of an LAP assisting the palatal augmentation prosthesis (PAP). We delivered both the PAP and LAP to a patient with subtotal glossectomy who experienced saliva drooling and masticatory dysfunction. As the dead space between the reconstructed tongue and dentures decreased in both the vertical and anterior directions, his maximum tongue pressure increased, and the status of salivation and food residue improved. LAP assisted not only for saliva drooling control but also mastication.