Switch to Dark theme

References

Kornblith AB, Zlotolow IM, Gooen J, Huryn JM, Lerner T, Strong EW Quality of life of maxillectomy patients using an obturator prosthesis. Head Neck J Sci Spec Head Neck. 1996; 18:323-334
Rieger J, Wolfaardt J, Seikaly H, Jha N. Speech outcomes in patients rehabilitated with maxillary obturator prostheses after maxillectomy: a prospective study. Int J Prosthodont. 2002; 15:139-144
Pigno MA. Conventional prosthetic rehabilitation after free flap reconstruction of a maxillectomy defect: a clinical report. J Prosthet Dent. 2001; 86:578-581
Beumer III, Curtis TA, Marunick MT.St Louis, Toronto, London: The CV Mosby Co; 1979
Walter J. Obturators for cleft palate and other speech appliances. Dent Update. 2005; 32:217-223
Alhanbali E, Kelleway JP, Howlett JA. Acrylic denture distortion following double processing with microwaves or heat. J Dent. 1991; 19:176-180
Zarb GA, Bolender CL, Carlsson GE., 11th edn. St Louis: Mosby; 1997
Sutton AF, McCord JF. A randomized clinical trial comparing anatomic, lingualized, and zero-degree posterior occlusal forms for complete dentures. J Prosthet Dent. 2007; 97:292-298
Rogers SN, Lowe D, Humphris G. Distinct patient groups in oral cancer: a prospective study of perceived health status following primary surgery. Oral Oncol. 2000; 36:529-538
Rogers SN, Gwanne S, Lowe D, Stat C, Humphris G, Yueh B The addition of mood and anxiety domains to the University of Washington quality of life scale. Head Neck J Sci Spec Head Neck. 2002; 24:521-529
Irish J, Sandhu N, Simpson C, Wood R, Gilbert R, Gullane P Quality of life in patients with maxillectomy prostheses. Head Neck J Sci Spec Head Neck. 2009; 31:813-821
Alani A, Owens J, Dewan K, Summerwill A. A national survey of oral and maxillofacial surgeons’ attitudes towards the treatment and dental rehabilitation of oral cancer patients. Br Dent J. 2009; 207:540-541
Pace-Balzan A, Shaw RJ, Butterworth C. Oral rehabilitation following treatment for oral cancer. Periodontology 2000. 2011; 57:102-117

Rehabilitation of oncology patients with hard palate defects part 3: construction of an acrylic hollow box obturator

From Volume 42, Issue 7, September 2015 | Pages 612-620

Authors

Rahat Ali

BSc, BDS, MSc ClinDent(Rest), MFGDP(UK), MFDS RCS(Eng), PGC(HE), FDS(Rest Dent) RCSED

Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, Department of Restorative Dentistry

Articles by Rahat Ali

Email Rahat Ali

Asmaa Altaie

BDS, MSc, MFDS RCS

Clinical Teaching Fellow in Restorative Dentistry, Leeds Dental Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

Articles by Asmaa Altaie

Brian Nattress

BChD(Hons), PhD, FDSRCS Ed, MRD RCS Ed, FDTF Ed.

Senior Lecturer/Honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, Leeds Dental Institute, Clarendon Way, Leeds, LS2 9LU, UK

Articles by Brian Nattress

Abstract

This article will discuss the clinical stages in the fabrication of a definitive acrylic hollow box obturator to restore a hard palate defect. The first two papers described the restorative/surgical planning phase and the principles of obturator design.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Each of the clinical stages required to make a hollow box obturator must be performed to the highest possible standard to ensure than an optimal prosthesis is fabricated.

Article

Advances in microvascular surgery and the use of free flaps have allowed many oncology patients (with palatal tumours) to undergo resection and immediate reconstruction. Ideally, a flap with vascularized bone should be used as this will optimize the future prosthetic bearing area. If it is not possible to close the resection site surgically, the provision of an obturator is obligatory. Significant improvement in the quality of life is achieved after constructing the prosthesis, as it restores the partition between the nasal and the oral cavities, improves mastication, swallowing, speech, dental aesthetics and facial support.1

Conventional rehabilitation with an obturator may be a treatment requirement for some oncology patients post-surgical resection.2,3 For patients who will have a significant maxillary defect or are due to have radiotherapy post resection, the placement of zygomatic or dental implants at the time of ablative surgery may be advantageous to help retain the future prosthesis. However, this will require careful planning and a high degree of surgical skill. This third article in our series will discuss the clinical stages involved in making a definitive, acrylic resin, one-part hollow box obturator to restore a hard palate defect. The authors hope that it will be useful for clinicians who are new to the subject and are making their first obturators.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Dental Update and reading some of our resources. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Up to 2 free articles per month
  • New content available

Already have an account? Sign in here