Prosthetic Rehabilitation of a Patient with Post-COVID Maxillary Osteomyelitis: Case Report

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 infection, which emerged in 2019, brought numerous changes to our lives. COVID-19 — associated osteomyelitis of the jaw is directly related to the pathophysiological effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the human body. Post-COVID osteomyelitis in the maxillofacial region is a rare complication requiring prosthetic management to replace the defect. CASE DESCRIPTION: This report describes a case of maxillary osteomyelitis in a female patient, N., following recovery from COVID-19. Clinical examination revealed complete edentulism and loss of the maxillary alveolar process spanning teeth 15 to 25. Total atrophy of the anterior maxillary alveolar process, partial anterior tooth loss, impaired mastication and phonation, and visible sunken upper lip were noted upon objective assessment. The patient was treated with a removable partial denture incorporating an elastic element to restore the anterior maxillary alveolar process. CONCLUSION: Use of a removable prosthesis with elastic elements for a maxillofacial defect treatment enabled both esthetic restoration and functional improvement in masticatory efficiency, supporting successful prosthetic rehabilitation without surgery. A detailed approach to history collection and treatment is a critical component of a dentist’s work.