Evolution of Masticatory Function, Orofacial Functions and Quality of Life of Patients Treated for Cancers of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract, Rehabilitated by Maxillofacial Prostheses.

Overview

This is a follow-up study of masticatory function, orofacial functions, and quality of life in patients with a history of upper aerodigestive tract cancer who have undergone rehabilitation with maxillofacial prostheses. The main objective of this study is to evaluate changes in masticatory function during a prosthetic rehabilitation program in patients with a history of upper aerodigestive tract cancer.

Patients are recruited and monitored within the maxillofacial prosthesis consultation of the Odontology Department at the Estaing University Hospital in Clermont - Ferrand. An objective assessment (clinical examination and functional tests) by a dentist, combined with a subjective assessment (questionnaires) by the patient, is carried out before and after maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation. The study includes three assessment periods : T0, before maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation ; T1, three months after prosthetic rehabilitation ; and T2, one year after prosthetic rehabilitation. Each evaluation stage includes an interview, a clinical examination, and functional tests. During the interview, patients are asked to complete questionnaires to assess their oral quality of life, dysphagia, orofacial functions, anxiety about treatment, and integration of their prostheses (from T1 onwards). The clinical examination assesses the patient's oral health (dental pattern, mandibular kinematics, occlusion) and tongue function (tongue mobility). Finally, the functional tests evaluate salivary function , chewing, and tongue strength. To study salivation, the patient is asked to spit their saliva into a container with or without prior stimulation, in order to measure salivary flow. For the chewing study, the patient must chew a test food (carrot) or chewing gum, which will be spat out for analysis.