A Technique To Replenish Maxillary Defect With An Obturator– A Case Report

Abstract

Maxillectomy defects can result in oroantral communication that causes difficulty in mastication and deglutition, impaired speech, and facial disfigurement. Maxillary defects can be very damaging in terms of the psychological impact on the patient; hence, it is imperative for the prosthodontist to take prompt measures to institute a definitive prosthesis for the patient. Large defects which cannot be closed surgically are best treated with prosthetic obturators. The primary goals of the obturator prosthesis are to preserve the remaining teeth and tissues and to provide comfort, function, and aesthetics to the patients. Maxillofacial prosthodontist plays an important role in the rehabilitation of such defects with obturators. An obturator is a prosthesis used to close congenital or acquired palatal defects. Traditionally there are three distinct phases of rehabilitation of maxillectomy patients. These are surgical, interim and definitive phases. This following case report illustrates the various clinical and laboratory procedures during rehabilitation of patient undergone Total maxillectomy, with an obturator prosthesis.