Palatal perforation closure using a hawleytype appliance in a patient with sarcoidosis

Kılınçay M., Eraslan R., Kara İ.

48th Annual Conference of the European Prosthodontic Association (EPA) , Nevşehir, Türkiye, 11 - 13 Eylül 2025, ss.104, (Özet Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Nevşehir
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.104
  • Erciyes Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

INTRODUCTION: Palatal perforations are rare but challenging complications that may result from systemic conditions such as sarcoidosis. These defects can significantly impair speech, swallowing, and overall quality of life. This case report presents the prosthetic management of a patient with palatal perforation secondary to maxillary bone loss associated with sarcoidosis and long-term corticosteroid therapy. Case description: A 26-year-old female presented to our clinic with a recently noticed opening in the palate. Clinical examination revealed a perforation in the palatal region. The patient had a medical history of sarcoidosis and had been on long-term steroid treatment. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) showed severe maxillary bone resorption. She reported long-standing nasal obstruction and noted the palatal opening a few weeks prior. Her main complaints included nasal regurgitation of food and fluids during meals and severe speech impairment. A conventional maxillary impression was taken, and a Hawley-type removable prosthesis was fabricated. An acrylic extension was designed to obturate the perforation site. At the delivery appointment, immediate improvement in speech was observed. During follow-up, the patient reported elimination of nasal leakage during eating, indicating functional success of the appliance. DISCUSSION: Sarcoidosis, particularly with prolonged corticosteroid use, can lead to destructive lesions in the maxillofacial bones. In this case, prosthetic rehabilitation using a modified Hawley appliance effectively sealed the palatal defect, significantly improving both phonation and swallowing. This non-invasive approach may serve as an efficient interim or long-term solution for similar cases where surgical options are limited or contraindicated.

Keywords: Sarcoidosis, Palatal Perforation, Maxillary Bone Loss, Prosthodontics, Removable Appliance