Optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes in facial surgery depend on effective wound healing. Although the impact of cigarette smoking on postoperative healing has been widely studied, its specific influence in the context of facial procedures remains debated. This review evaluates how smoking compromises wound healing and increases the risk of postoperative complications by synthesizing current evidence on its influence in facial surgical procedures. This scoping review included original observational studies (cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort) published in English that examined associations between cigarette smoking and wound healing following facial procedures. Eligible participants included patients of any age or sex undergoing facial surgery or sustaining facial trauma. Exposure was defined as active smoking or a history of smoking and was compared with non-smokers or those with documented cessation. Primary outcomes included complications such as skin slough, wound dehiscence, infection, and flap or graft necrosis. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklists. Of 129 screened records, nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Across various facial procedures, active smoking was consistently associated with impaired wound healing, with reported complication risks ranging from 1.8-fold to 12-fold higher among smokers. Commonly reported adverse outcomes included flap necrosis, infection, and wound dehiscence, although several studies reported no statistically significant association in specific procedural contexts. Smoking is strongly associated with poorer wound healing following facial surgery, particularly in flap-based procedures. These findings emphasize the importance of perioperative smoking cessation to improve healing and reduce preventable postoperative complications.

Cranial prostheses are frequently required for patients with cranial defects secondary to trauma, decompressive craniectomy, or other pathologies. When the resected or craniotomized bone cannot be reused, cranioplasty with artificial materials offers both aesthetic and protective benefits. However, high-end custom-made options, like polyether ether ketone or titanium prostheses, are expensive and not widely available. Heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) prostheses are generally preferred over their cold-cured counterparts. In-house dental laboratories can provide a cost-effective and practical solution by employing a lost-wax technique akin to denture fabrication, utilizing a three-dimensional printed custom open mold. Fabricating large heatcured PMMA cranioplasts presents certain challenges, such as the need for large flasks and potential porosity. These can be overcome by using a large stainless steel container (a tiffin box) and M-Seal epoxy to ensure an airtight curing process. This method can be easily adopted by standard dental laboratories. At our center, four patients have successfully fitted with cranioplasty prostheses produced using this technique. Even though the patients are outside of the scope of this technical note all of them indicated high satisfaction, and no complications were reported. This straightforward approach demonstrates that in-house, heat-cured PMMA cranioplasts can represent a viable, cost-effective option for cranial reconstruction.

Cranial prostheses are frequently required for patients with cranial defects secondary to trauma, decompressive craniectomy, or other pathologies. When the resected or craniotomized bone cannot be reused, cranioplasty with artificial materials offers both aesthetic and protective benefits. However, high-end custom-made options, like polyether ether ketone or titanium prostheses, are expensive and not widely available. Heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) prostheses are generally preferred over their cold-cured counterparts. In-house dental laboratories can provide a cost-effective and practical solution by employing a lost-wax technique akin to denture fabrication, utilizing a three-dimensional printed custom open mold. Fabricating large heatcured PMMA cranioplasts presents certain challenges, such as the need for large flasks and potential porosity. These can be overcome by using a large stainless steel container (a tiffin box) and M-Seal epoxy to ensure an airtight curing process. This method can be easily adopted by standard dental laboratories. At our center, four patients have successfully fitted with cranioplasty prostheses produced using this technique. Even though the patients are outside of the scope of this technical note all of them indicated high satisfaction, and no complications were reported. This straightforward approach demonstrates that in-house, heat-cured PMMA cranioplasts can represent a viable, cost-effective option for cranial reconstruction.

Cranial prostheses are frequently required for patients with cranial defects secondary to trauma, decompressive craniectomy, or other pathologies. When the resected or craniotomized bone cannot be reused, cranioplasty with artificial materials offers both aesthetic and protective benefits. However, high-end custom-made options, like polyether ether ketone or titanium prostheses, are expensive and not widely available. Heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) prostheses are generally preferred over their cold-cured counterparts. In-house dental laboratories can provide a cost-effective and practical solution by employing a lost-wax technique akin to denture fabrication, utilizing a three-dimensional printed custom open mold. Fabricating large heatcured PMMA cranioplasts presents certain challenges, such as the need for large flasks and potential porosity. These can be overcome by using a large stainless steel container (a tiffin box) and M-Seal epoxy to ensure an airtight curing process. This method can be easily adopted by standard dental laboratories. At our center, four patients have successfully fitted with cranioplasty prostheses produced using this technique. Even though the patients are outside of the scope of this technical note all of them indicated high satisfaction, and no complications were reported. This straightforward approach demonstrates that in-house, heat-cured PMMA cranioplasts can represent a viable, cost-effective option for cranial reconstruction.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated mucormycosis of the maxilla emerged as a significant concern in India during the second wave of the pandemic, necessitating surgical interventions such as maxillectomy. This study investigated the quality of life following prosthodontic rehabilitation with interim obturators in patients who underwent bilateral total maxillectomy due to COVID-19-associated mucormycosis of the jaws. Methods: The study was conducted using questionnaire-based interviews administered by a single investigator employing the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and Obturator Functioning Scale (OFS) questionnaires. Responses were evaluated on a Likert scale. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 21.0 for Windows. A significance level of 5% was applied to all tests. The Wilcoxon signed-rank and chi-square tests were utilized to compare categorical and quantitative variables across groups. Responses to the questionnaires were recorded on numerical Likert scales ranging from 1 to 5 for OFS and 0 to 4 for OHIP-14. The mean OHIP-14 and OFS scores were compared between the pre-rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation stages. Results: A comparison between the pre-rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation scores from the OHIP-14 questionnaire revealed a significant difference (p= 0.001). The OFS results indicated significant improvements across all domains following the use of obturators. Conclusion Interim obturators play a vital role in improving speech, swallowing, and mastication during the recovery period for patients who have undergone bilateral total maxillectomy. Despite the altered anatomy resulting from the resection, patients adapted effectively and exhibited improvements in their social, psychological, and mental health.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated mucormycosis of the maxilla emerged as a significant concern in India during the second wave of the pandemic, necessitating surgical interventions such as maxillectomy. This study investigated the quality of life following prosthodontic rehabilitation with interim obturators in patients who underwent bilateral total maxillectomy due to COVID-19-associated mucormycosis of the jaws. Methods: The study was conducted using questionnaire-based interviews administered by a single investigator employing the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and Obturator Functioning Scale (OFS) questionnaires. Responses were evaluated on a Likert scale. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 21.0 for Windows. A significance level of 5% was applied to all tests. The Wilcoxon signed-rank and chi-square tests were utilized to compare categorical and quantitative variables across groups. Responses to the questionnaires were recorded on numerical Likert scales ranging from 1 to 5 for OFS and 0 to 4 for OHIP-14. The mean OHIP-14 and OFS scores were compared between the pre-rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation stages. Results: A comparison between the pre-rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation scores from the OHIP-14 questionnaire revealed a significant difference (p= 0.001). The OFS results indicated significant improvements across all domains following the use of obturators. Conclusion Interim obturators play a vital role in improving speech, swallowing, and mastication during the recovery period for patients who have undergone bilateral total maxillectomy. Despite the altered anatomy resulting from the resection, patients adapted effectively and exhibited improvements in their social, psychological, and mental health.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated mucormycosis of the maxilla emerged as a significant concern in India during the second wave of the pandemic, necessitating surgical interventions such as maxillectomy. This study investigated the quality of life following prosthodontic rehabilitation with interim obturators in patients who underwent bilateral total maxillectomy due to COVID-19-associated mucormycosis of the jaws. Methods: The study was conducted using questionnaire-based interviews administered by a single investigator employing the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and Obturator Functioning Scale (OFS) questionnaires. Responses were evaluated on a Likert scale. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 21.0 for Windows. A significance level of 5% was applied to all tests. The Wilcoxon signed-rank and chi-square tests were utilized to compare categorical and quantitative variables across groups. Responses to the questionnaires were recorded on numerical Likert scales ranging from 1 to 5 for OFS and 0 to 4 for OHIP-14. The mean OHIP-14 and OFS scores were compared between the pre-rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation stages. Results: A comparison between the pre-rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation scores from the OHIP-14 questionnaire revealed a significant difference (p= 0.001). The OFS results indicated significant improvements across all domains following the use of obturators. Conclusion Interim obturators play a vital role in improving speech, swallowing, and mastication during the recovery period for patients who have undergone bilateral total maxillectomy. Despite the altered anatomy resulting from the resection, patients adapted effectively and exhibited improvements in their social, psychological, and mental health.