A maxillofacial prosthetic obturator using precision attachments

The majority of maxillary defects can be rehabilitated with pedicled flaps. However, when there are very large resections of the maxilla and flap success is questionable, then the defect may be obturated with a conventional hollow bulb clasp retained obturator or implant retained obturator prosthesis. However, inadequate retention, stability and support may be associated with the use of a conventional obturator and in case of recurrence the success of implant is questionable. A precision attachment becomes the silver lining. They have been used to retain obturator for some time. The use of precision attachments in a dentate maxillectomy patient can yield significant functional improvement while maintaining the obturator's aesthetic advantages. This clinical report describes the successful prosthetic rehabilitation of maxillary defects with an obturator retained using two different extracoronal resilient precision attachments. Attachment retained prosthesis provides a successful closure for the defect but also better esthetics, retention, better tolerability and better mastication and speech.

Case Presentation of Two Maxillectomy Patients Restored with Two-piece Hollow Bulb Obturator Retained using Two Different Types of Magnets

Palatal defect can be repaired by reconstructive surgery and/or a dental prosthesis. We present prosthodontic rehabilitation of two partially edentulous patients, both with surgically induced palatal defect and explains how to achieve the goal for esthetics and phonetics. This also describes the fabrication of a hollow obturator by two piece method, which is simple and may be used as definitive obturator for maximum comfort of the patient. In both the above cases, since the mouth opening is restricted due to surgery, obturator prosthesis is given as two pieces retained with opposite poles of magnet, which facilitates the removal and insertion of the prosthesis.

Rehabilitation of post surgical maxillectomy defects using interim obturators-a case series

Prosthetic rehabilitation of extensive maxillectomy defects are exigent given the difficulties faced due to loss of palatal bone,teeth and surrounding supporting tissues which help in retention, support and stability of the prosthesis. An interim maxillary obturator is a prosthesis which is made after surgical resection of a portion or all of one or both maxilla where initial healing is completed. Frequently many or all teeth in the defect area are replaced by this prosthesis. It plays a vital role in preventing the facial disfigurement and irritation to the surgical site thereby enhancing the healing and restores the functional capabilities such as speech, mastication, deglutition etc. To gain better retention and stability, preservation of the unaffected regions is needed which can be achieved by proper surgical planning and designing of the prosthesis. This case series describes rehabilitation of three extensive maxillectomy defects with hollow open and closed interim obturators.