Prosthetic management of large nasal septal defects

Large nasal septal defect is defined as a defect that exceeds in size a stretched nostril. Large nasal septal defects cannot be closed by hard acrylic resin nasal septal obturators because of access and path-of-insertion problems. However, obturation can be achieved by construction of a nasal stent that fits into one of the nasal cavities. This article describes a procedure used to manage a large nasal septal defect with an intranasal heat-processed acrylic resin stent. The medial wall of the stent indirectly allows for the partition of the two nasal cavities. The stent is rendered patent to allow for comfortable breathing. The impression making and construction of these stents is not difficult. These nasal stents indirectly separate the two nasal cavities and effective obturation of large nasal septal defects is achieved. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;77:335-8.)