Image Guided Palatal Obturator Design and Fabrication for Maxillectomy Defect in the Case of Acute Invasive Fungal Sinusitis

Abstract

Acute invasive fungal sinusitis requires a high clinical suspicion and rapid diagnosis for initiation of surgical and medical treatment. Due to necessity of expedited surgical treatment, evaluation and impression making by a maxillofacial prosthodontist is rarely possible prior to debridement. Surgical debridement often results in maxillary defects, which can negatively impact speech, deglutition, and respiration. A surgical obturator occludes the palatal defect resulting in improved speech, swallowing and prevention of wound contamination with food particulate. This article focuses on utilizing medical imaging, usually acquired for diagnosis and surgical planning, to fabricate a well-fitting surgical obturator without conventional or digital intraoral dental impression making.