Prosthetic and surgical management of oronasal communications secondary to cocaine abuse

Abstract

Oronasal communications are serious sequelae of chronic cocaine abuse. If left untreated, these communications can severely limit a patient's quality of life. The defects can be rehabilitated successfully utilizing either maxillofacial prosthetics or various surgical techniques. Considerations in deciding between prosthetic and surgical approaches are discussed, as well as the basics of maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation and the different surgical techniques available. Photographic documentation of both maxillofacial prosthetic and surgical treatments performed by the authors is shown.