Open AccessFabricating a Hollow Obturator with Light-Cured Resin System
Author(s) -
Aswini Kumar Kar,
Hari Parkash,
Lokanath Garhnayak,
B Chittaranjan
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the journal of indian prosthodontic society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.419
H-Index - 20
eISSN - 1998-4057
pISSN - 0972-4052
DOI - 10.1007/s13191-012-0159-0
Subject(s) - palatal obturator , soft tissue , masticatory force , dentistry , medicine , removable partial denture , swallowing , materials science , prosthesis , orthodontics , dentures , surgery
Tumor resection of a cancer lesion produces maxillary defects that can be easily restored with an obturator to close the defect area. Postsurgical maxillary defects predispose a patient to hypernasal speech, fluid leakage into the nasal cavity, and impaired masticatory function. Therefore, the primary aims of prosthetic rehabilitation in total and partial maxillectomy patients include: separation of oral and nasal cavities to allow adequate deglutition and articulation, possible support of orbital contents and support of soft tissue to restore mid-facial contours. A method of fabricating a simple hollow obturator for maxillectomy patients is described. The use of a relatively long-lasting light cure resin materials in making obturators allows stable, comfortable, and effective obturation. The hollow prosthesis is lightweight and sufficiently flexible to allow relatively simple placement in retentive undercut regions.