Managing Maxillofacial Defects with Hollow Closed Bulb Obturator Prosthesis

Abstract

Maxillary resection surgery in response to tumour processes often results in loss of substance, leading to bucco-nasal or bucco-naso-sinus communication. The resulting consequences are significant, including difficulties with eating, with food and fluids leaking out, phonetic problems resulting in a nasal voice and incomprehensible speech. These problems are compounded by aesthetic problems such as sagging skin, asymmetry and facial disfigurement, particularly in cases where the facial tissues are affected. This article describes the case of a patient with maxillary bone loss associated with a deficit of jugal covering tissues. We decided to fabricate a cast metal partial denture with a hollow obturator, and we will detail the steps involved in its fabrication and describe the impression techniques used. Given the absence of a mandibular prosthetic corridor, we will also describe our approach to rehabilitating the mandibular arch to prevent food and fluid spillage through the jugal gap. In this context, our main objective was to ensure a watertight seal to guarantee optimal function.