Technical Strategies

Care and Cleaning of Maxillofacial Prostheses

Goiato, Marcelo Coelho DDS, MSc, PhD; Rossatti Zucolotti, Bruna Carolina DDS; Mancuso, Daniela Nardi DDS, MSc, PhD; dos Santos, Daniela Micheline DDS, MSc, PhD; Pellizzer, Eduardo Piza DDS, MSc, PhD; Ramos Verri, Fellippo DDS, MSc, PhD

Author Information

From the Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Araçatuba Dental School, UNESP, University of the State of São Paulo, São Paulo,Brazil.

Received December 26, 2009.

Accepted for publication March 16, 2010.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Marcelo Coelho Goiato, DDS, MSc, PhD, Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, UNESP-Araçatuba Dental School, José Bonifácio, 1193, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, 16015-050; E-mail: [email protected]

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Journal of Craniofacial Surgery 21(4):p 1270-1273, July 2010. | DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0b013e3181e1b431

Abstract

Both the cleaning and care of the prosthesis are fundamental for maintaining its quality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to show the methods of cleaning and care the patient needs to take as regards the prosthesis and adjacent tissue, starting with correct instruction and training by the professional. It has been verified that among the materials for fabricating maxillofacial prostheses, silicone was considered the major retainer of microorganisms on its surface. Therefore, for cleaning prostheses, the use of water and neutral soap, as well as chlorhexidine, is recommended. As regards care of the adjacent tissues, it is recommended to remove the prosthesis before going to sleep, in addition to washing the prosthesis receptor tissues with water and neutral soap or with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. Whereas for the mucosal surfaces of the ophthalmic cavity, cleaning with filtered and boiled water or physiological solution at least 3 times a day is recommended.