Prosthetic rehabilitation of the edentulous patient requiring a partial maxillectomy

A variety of problems faces the prosthodontist attempting reconstruction of maxillary defects. This article reviews developments in materials and techniques of obturator prosthesis design for patients experiencing maxillectomy. The size of the maxillectomy defect is one of the main factors governing the prognosis for treatment. Many patients require special prosthodontic techniques. However, routine attention to extension of the prosthesis and balanced occlusion is essential. Obtaining satisfactory retention and stability in the definitive obturator prosthesis can be elusive. Resilient denture base materials are extremely useful in retaining the prosthesis, which obturates small defects. However, the flexibility of these materials makes them unsuitable in large maxillectomy cavities because of the deformation that occurs during mastication. Alternative forms of retention, eg., osseointegrated implants and sectional prostheses retained by magnets, are discussed.