Prosthetic rehabilitation of acquired maxillary defect

Abstract

This case report describes the rehabilitation of a patient with acquired maxillary defect using heat polymerizing acrylic resin hollow bulb obturator. The aim of the prosthesis is to improve the retention of the prosthesis and the esthetics. Acquired maxillary defects caused by surgical correction of tumors or trauma can lead to various functional, esthetic and psychologic disturbances to the patient. The defect results in liquid and food escaping into the maxillary sinus and nasal cavities, causing severe speech and swallowing dysfunction with significant reduction in quality of life. The maxillofacial prosthodontist has a challenging role in the rehabilitation of the acquired defects. This clinical report describes rehabilitation of an acquired maxillary defect of a 45-year-old male patient using single piece closed hollow bulb obturator made with heat polymerizing acrylic resin. The bulb portion with the tissue surface of the denture was formed first followed by lid fabrication separately. The lid was attached appropriately using auto polymerising resin. The hollow bulb design improves the retention of the prosthesis when the clinical situation prevents adequate retention of the prosthesis. Furthermore for patients with financial constraints, heat polymerizing acrylic resin prosthesis provides a cost-effective treatment. A hollow bulb obturator allows fabrication of light weight prosthesis. The weight of the prosthesis contributes significantly to the retention of the prosthesis. In cases where the defect is large or if anatomy of the defect does not contribute to the retention and stability of the prosthesis, closed hollow obturators are a good treatment option. The hollow obturator makes the prosthesis lighter in weight and thereby improves the retention of the prosthesis and improves speech.