A Maxillary Obturator Prosthesis for an Active Duty Air Force Flyer: A Case Report

Abstract

To fabricate a maxillary obturator prosthesis for an active duty pilot allowing him to return to active flying status. A 24-year-old male active duty U.S. Air Force pilot presented with a history of right posterior maxillectomy due to a keratocyst odontogenic tumor. The patient had been wearing an interim obturator prosthesis for 4 months and was removed from active duty flight status. A comprehensive oral evaluation was completed and a definitive obturator prosthesis was fabricated using a cast metal framework. Extraoral 3D stereophotogrammetry and a facial moulage were accomplished. The patient underwent evaluation for return to active flying status. The patient returned to active duty flight status after passing all of the required tests. Obturator prostheses may be a suitable treatment option allowing a patient to conduct all of the required functions of an active flyer.