Tissue Retraction For Head And Neck Radiotherapy In Edentulous Patients

Tissue retraction devices (TRDs) are used for head and neck radiotherapy to displace soft tissues and fixate the mandible. They can increase the accuracy of irradiation and reduce its side effects, such as oral mucositis. However, no method has been described for fabrication of TRDs in edentulous patients. In this case report, an edentulous 67-year-old patient undergoing radiotherapy of the tongue was provided with a TRD. The tongue was immobilized, ensuring irradiation consistency and the retraction of healthy oral tissues. Using 3D printing, an efficient workflow for fabrication of TRDs based on the patient's existing complete prostheses can be realized.