POSSIBILITIES FOR MODIFICATION OF SURGICAL OBTURATOR INTO TEMPORARY OBTURATOR

Abstract

Background: Maxillary resection causes different types of damages in the maxillofacial area, which are treated by surgical and prosthetic restorative methods. Aim: The described clinical case follows up the initial stages of the prosthetic treatment, as well as the possible modification of surgical obturator into temporary obturator in a patient with maxillary resection. Materials and methods: The prosthetic treatment of a 55-years-old female patient with a surgical operation of upper jaw cancer is described. The surgical obturator is developed a week after the resection. The preliminary impressions are taken with irreversible hydrocolloid impression material. The occlusion height and central relation are fixed by occlusion rims. The surgical obturator was fabricated by heat cured acrylic resin with a low amount of residual monomer. Moreover, metal clasps were used for retention and stability. The borders of the obturating part were covered with a thin layer of relining silicone material after the adjustment. The surgical obturator was modified into a temporary one directly in the patient's mouth after two months by applying the same rebasing material and designing a silicone hollow-bulb obturating part. Results: The treatment results revealed a successful restoration of the patient's speaking, feeding, and swallowing abilities. The application of silicone material inhibited the appearance of decubitus ulcers and facilitated the normal healing process. The direct design of hollow-bulb silicone obturating part significantly improved the retention and stability of the obturator. Conclusion: The application of prosthetic treatment methods in the first days after the maxillary resection allows for restoration of speaking and feeding.