A Method to Construct an Interim Obturator using Presurgical Tissues for Maxillary Palatal Defect

Abstract

The presence of oral cancer necessitates the surgical removal of all or part of the maxilla, leaving the patient with a defect that compromises the integrity and function of the oral cavity. Surgical unit along with the prosthodontic counterpart goes hand in hand for the fulfilment of the post restorative re-establishment of the oral functioning. The immediate line of treatment includes maxillectomy with the initial insertion of an immediate surgical obturator at the time of surgery followed by the insertion of interim obturator for initial healing which thereafter replaced by definite prosthesis once the tissues are stabilised. This article will provide a method of fabricating an interim obturator which will be very easy, less time consuming, inexpensive and comfortable for the patient. Material used for this type of obturator is the common self cure acrylic resin duplicating the lost tissues using the preoperative cast.