JOURNAL OF PROSTHETIC DENTISTRY THE

Vol. 99 No. 1      JANUARY - 2008

ISSN: 0022-3913      UBIC: 171

RESUMEN

Effective obturation of the bilateral maxillectomy defect is a difficult task for the maxillofacial prosthodontist. Multi-disciplinary treatment planning is essential to achieve adequate retention and function for the prosthesis. This clinical report describes an original technique of engaging, the inner aspect of the nasal aperture to augment anterior retention of a hollow obturator in a bilateral subtotal maxillectomy defect. This method is simple to execute, and may be used chairside for a surgical, interim, and/or definitive obturator. (J Prosthet Dent 2008;99:14-18)

SUMMARY

Subtotal and total bilateral maxillectomy defects represent a complex challenge for the maxillofacial prosthodontist. In this clinical report, pre-operative treatment planning involving the head and neck surgeon, the maxillofacial prosthodontist, and the speech pathologist resulted in a delayed/interim obturator that enabled the patient to speak and swallow successfully. The technique described in this report could be performed chair-side on a definitive obturator in situations in which access to critical anatomical structures is adequate.

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