Journal of the American Dental Association, Vol 97, Issue 5, 840-842
Copyright © 1978 by American Dental Association
Surgical management of microstomia in the dental office
J Lopez Jr
Scarring of the oral stoma is usually a consequence of burns of the circumoral region. The subsequent contractural decrease in the width and general size of the opening is deforming, interferes with eating, makes dental treatment extremely difficult, prevents access for oral hygiene, and makes general anesthesia hazardous. A case report demonstrates the relative ease and safety of performing a commissurotomy in the dental office with local anesthesia alone so that access is facilitated and the dentition of these patients can be rehabilitated.