Relationship on Covid 19 with Prosthodontics and Mucormycosis with Prosthodontics- Conventional and Digital Approach

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented surge in secondary infections, notably mucormycosis, particularly among immunocompromised individuals and those treated with corticosteroids. Mucormycosis, a serious fungal infection, has significant implications for the oral and maxillofacial regions, presenting challenges in prosthodontic treatment planning and execution.

Objectives:

Provide an overview of COVID-19 and mucormycosis, highlighting their interconnected pathophysiology. Discuss the clinical presentation of mucormycosis in the oral and maxillofacial region. Explore the impact of mucormycosis on prosthodontic care, including treatment planning and rehabilitation. Review current diagnostic and treatment protocols for mucormycosis, with an emphasis on prosthodontic considerations. Identify preventive strategies and future research directions in the management of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients from a prosthodontic perspective.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The review included articles published between January 2020 and August 2024 that discussed COVID-19, mucormycosis, and their relevance to prosthodontics. Key search terms included "COVID-19," "mucormycosis," "prosthodontics," "oral manifestations," and "dental management."

Results: The literature indicates a significant rise in mucormycosis cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among patients with diabetes mellitus, those receiving corticosteroid therapy, and individuals with prolonged ICU stays. Mucormycosis primarily affects the oral and maxillofacial regions, presenting challenges such as necrosis of the maxilla, sinus involvement, and palatal perforations. These complications have profound implications for prosthodontic treatment, necessitating modifications in treatment planning such as 3D printing, timing, and the choice of prosthetic materials.

Conclusions: Prosthodontists play a critical role in the multidisciplinary management of COVID-19 patients at risk of or recovering from mucormycosis. Early diagnosis, timely intervention, and tailored prosthodontic rehabilitation are essential to improving patient outcomes. Preventive measures, including strict infection control and patient education, are vital to reducing the incidence of mucormycosis in this vulnerable population. Further research is needed to establish long-term guidelines for prosthodontic management in these cases.