Browsing by Author "Silva, Marta Sofia dos Santos"
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- Conventional technique vs digital workflow in the fabrication of obturators prothesis: systematic reviewPublication . Silva, Marta Sofia dos Santos; Oliveira, Filipa Pinto deOral cancer is currently the 6th most common malignant neoplasm in the world, representing a significant global public health concern. Characterized by aggressive growth and early lymph node metastasis, treatment modalities include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, with surgery being the primary approach. Surgical procedures involving the maxilla often result in defects causing functional, psychological, and aesthetic impairments. Obturator prostheses are crucial for restoring aesthetics, phonetics, swallowing, and mastication. In recent years, digital workflows using CAD/CAM technology have emerged, replacing physical materials with digital data, increasing precision and efficiency. Digital techniques are particularly beneficial in cases of limited oral opening following treatment. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the improvements offered by digital workflows compared to conventional methods in the fabrication of obturator prostheses. A bibliographic search was conducted in PubMed, B-On, and ScienceDirect, with inclusion and exclusion criteria applied. From 418 initial citations, 11 articles were included and analyzed. The review concludes that digital workflows provide significant advantages, such as enhanced accuracy, customization, reduced chair time, improved patient comfort, and better communication with dental laboratories. However, limitations persist, including high costs, a steep learning curve, and difficulties in capturing mobile soft tissues, often requiring integration with conventional techniques. Further research with long-term follow-up is essential to validate digital workflows and expand their applicability, particularly in complex cases involving trismus or extensive maxillary defects.