Prevention of peri-implant skin inflammation using an acrylic resin housing with a tunnel design for an implant-retained auricular prosthesis

Abstract

Implant-retained auricular prostheses offer better retention than conventional adhesive retentive methods. Peri-implant skin inflammation, which results from improper substructure design, poor hygiene, skin thickness, and the hot and moist environment around abutments, however, is a common complication of craniofacial implants. This article describes a technique for fabricating an acrylic resin housing design with an extended arm to improve ventilation around implants and to reduce the risk of the silicone prosthesis tearing away from the acrylic resin housing.