Digital Workflow For Complete Denture In Severe Gag Reflex Patient

This case report presents an innovative digital workflow for the fabrication of complete dentures in an edentulous patient with a severe gag reflex. Traditional impression techniques are often intolerable for such patients, frequently requiring medication to alleviate nausea and discomfort. The digital approach overcomes these limitations, offering a more comfortable, efficient, and patient-centered solution. A 63-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus, who had recently undergone full-mouth extraction of his remaining teeth, sought a complete denture. Due to his severe gag reflex, conventional impression techniques were not tolerated. Initial models were obtained through intraoral scanning, and the initial jaw relationships were recorded. A digitally designed diagnostic denture was fabricated for desensitization training. After one month of successful adaptation, the diagnostic denture allowed for the final impression and accurate jaw relationship documentation. The final denture was then designed using digital software and milled accordingly. The digital workflow significantly benefits patients with severe gag reflexes, minimizing discomfort during the process. The diagnostic denture serves not only for the final impression but also aids in desensitization training. This approach highlights the potential of digital technology to address the challenges of treating patients with severe gag reflexes, offering a more accurate and patient-friendly alternative to traditional methods. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of a fully digital workflow in fabricating a complete denture for a patient with a severe gag reflex. This approach enhances patient comfort, improved precision, and streamlined the restoration process.