A direct investment method of closed two-piece hollow bulb obturator

The Effect of Immediate Obturator Reconstruction after Radical Maxillary Resections on Speech and other Functions

Objective: Maxillectomy often results in a high level of morbidity with significant psychological and functional implications for patients. The aims of the present study were to assess the effectiveness of the maxillary obturator as a speech rehabilitation aid, to examine the influence of dentition on speech intelligibility, to restore patients’ regular daily activity as soon as possible, and to maintain patients’ psychological well-being throughout the treatment. Patients and Methods: Forty-one palatomaxillary immediate obturator and definitive reconstruction patient treatments were reviewed at a clinic (Ankara, Turkey). Patients aged between 20 and 73 years with surgically acquired partial maxillary defects were included in this study. All patients were rehabilitated with immediate and definitive obturators. The patients were given immediate surgical obturators which were adjusted to the defect area with a tissue conditioner. By employing this procedure and relining with the tissue conditioner weekly, immediate obturators were used in the interim stage of the treatment. As interim obturators, prostheses were used for two to three months until healing and resorption were found satisfactory, after which the definitive obturators were fabricated. Results: The speech intelligibility test (SIT) was employed for the evaluation of the speech ability. Significant improvements were found in the mean speech intelligibility test score (SITS), from 0.02% in patients without prosthetic obturation to 94.10% in patients with immediate obturation on the second day, 95.60% in patients with immediate obturation on the 20th day, and 95.97% in patients with definitive obturation.

Restoring a Partial Maxillectomy Patient by an Implant-Supported Obturator on Two Implants: A Case Report

This article describes the prosthetic treatment of a patient suffering from a hemimaxillary defect after surgical resection of an adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) in the palate. The patient had also received therapeutic irradiation. One year after radiotherapy, three implants were placed in the remaining maxillary bone without any bone augmentation. One of the implants failed during the osseointegration period. The implant replacing the failed one also failed during prosthetic procedures. The patient was unwilling to undergo another surgical episode, and the final prosthesis was completed on the two remaining implants.

Fabrication of Closed Hollow Bulb Obturator Using Thermoplastic Resin Material

Purpose. Closed hollow bulb obturators are used for the rehabilitation of postmaxillectomy patients. However, the time consuming process, complexity of fabrication, water leakage, and discoloration are notable disadvantages of this technique. This paper describes a clinical report of fabricating closed hollow bulb obturator using a single flask and one time processing method for an acquired maxillary defect. Hard thermoplastic resin sheet has been used for the fabrication of hollow bulb part of the obturator. Method. After fabrication of master cast conventionally, bulb and lid part of the defect were formed separately and joined by autopolymerizing acrylic resin to form one sized smaller hollow body. During packing procedure, the defect area was loaded with heat polymerizing acrylic resin and then previously fabricated smaller hollow body was adapted over it. The whole area was then loaded with heat cure acrylic. Further processes were carried out conventionally. Conclusion. This technique uses single flask which reduces laboratory time and makes the procedure simple. The thickness of hollow bulb can be controlled and light weight closed hollow bulb prosthesis can be fabricated. It also minimizes the disadvantages of closed hollow bulb obturator such as water leakage, bacterial infection, and discoloration.

Fabrication of a hollow bulb prosthesis for the rehabilitation of an acquired total maxillectomy defect

The prosthodontic rehabilitation of maxillary defects is a challenging and demanding task which requires careful pre-surgical and post-surgical planning. Maxillary defects can be congenital or acquired. Acquired defects include those following trauma or surgical treatment of benign or malignant neoplasms. A prosthodontist encounters problems such as absence of support, poor retention, and lack of prosthesis stability in treating these patients. The present case report describes a procedure to fabricate a definitive hollow bulb obturator prosthesis for the rehabilitation of a total maxillectomy defect.