J Adv Prosthodont.  2012 Nov;4(4):248-253. 10.4047/jap.2012.4.4.248.

A hollow definitive obturator fabrication technique for management of partial maxillectomy

• Patil PG
• Patil SP

• KMID: 2176426
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4047/jap.2012.4.4.248

Abstract

Maxillary obturator prosthesis is the most frequent treatment option for management of partial or total maxillectomy. Heavy weight of the obturators is often a dislocating factor. Hollowing the prosthesis to reduce its weight is the well established fact. The alternate technique to hollow-out the prosthesis has been described in this article which is a variation of previously described processing techniques. A pre-shaped wax-bolus was incorporated inside the flasks during packing of the heat-polymerized acrylic resin to automatically create the hollow space. The processing technique described is a single step flasking procedure to construct a closed-hollow-obturator prosthesis as a single unit. To best understand the technique, this article describes management of a patient who had undergone partial maxillectomy secondary to squamous cell carcinoma rehabilitated with a hollow-obturator prosthesis.

Keyword

Hollow obturator; Maxillectomy; Retention of prosthesis; Processing technique; Prosthodontic rehabilitation

MeSH Terms

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
Humans
Prostheses and Implants

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Intraoral view showing maxillary defect forming an oro-antral communication.

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  Fig. 2 A: Occlusal view of the finished waxed-up obturator prosthesis with master cast, B: Left-lateral view of the finished waxed-up obturator prosthesis in occlusion. Note deep and bulky buccal flange of the prosthesis covering maxillary defect.

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  Fig. 3 Flasking procedure showing invested waxed-up obturator in the base flask.

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  Fig. 4 De-waxed flasks showing definitive cast, meshwork of metal framework and plaster surface completely freed from wax.

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  Fig. 5 Double thickness baseplate wax-sheet adapted on de-waxed surfaces of both the flasks.

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  Fig. 6 Windows created on the wax-sheet adapted in counter flask.

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  Fig. 7 Wax-bolus was filled between adapted wax-sheets after flask closure thus automatically shaped analogous to the hollow space.

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  Fig. 8 Shaped wax-bolus uniformly away from plaster surface except the stops.

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  Fig. 9 Wax-bolus pressed over the packed acrylic resin and seated in previously confirmed position.

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  Fig. 10 Hollow space created inside the heat polymerized acrylic resin obturator.

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  Fig. 11 Completed obturator prosthesis.

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  Fig. 12 Intraoral view of obturator prosthesis.

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