Journal of Prosthodontics News
Custom Nasopharyngeal Dilator for Management of Pharyngeal Stenosis
Now online in the Journal of Prosthodontics, a report of a collaborative surgical–prosthodontic approach for managing recurrent nasopharyngeal stenosis, co-authored by ACP member, Jessica Canallatos, DDS, MS.
Nasopharyngeal stenosis is a rare but serious condition that can result from trauma, infection, or postoperative scarring, often leading to significant impairment of nasal breathing and quality of life. Surgical correction may be limited by a high rate of restenosis.
Custom prostheses have historically been used to support postoperative healing in craniofacial and airway reconstructions, particularly in the prevention of restenosis. This case report describes the fabrication and implementation of a custom acrylic nasopharyngeal dilator designed by a prosthodontist, following serial surgical dilation of a severely stenotic nasopharynx.
The use of this custom-fabricated dilator provided a minimally invasive, cost-effective, and patient-controlled method of maintaining nasopharyngeal patency following surgery. Daily dilation using a personalized device allowed for consistent mechanical disruption of scar tissue during the critical healing period. At follow-up visits, the patient reported improved breathing through his nose. Examination confirmed maintenance of nasopharyngeal patency with no evidence of restenosis.
Interdisciplinary collaboration was critical to the success of this case. The surgical team provided access to the airway and relieved the obstruction, while prosthodontics offered a sustainable, nonsurgical method to maintain the surgical result.
Canallatos J, Perry R. Custom nasopharyngeal dilator for management of pharyngeal stenosis: A multidisciplinary approach to long-term airway patency. J Prosthodont. 2026;1–3. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopr.70133
Previous
Next
Back to News