A hollow-bulb interim obturator for maxillary resection. A case report

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Prosthodontics
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Hemimaxillectomy requires interim obturators during wound healing.
• Traditional obturator fabrication is time-consuming and involves impressions and laboratory procedures.

Observation:

• A novel, simplified method for constructing interim obturators directly in the dental chair was developed.
• This technique eliminates the need for traditional impressions and laboratory services.

Findings:

• The described obturator design features a hollow, light-cured resin bulb attached to the surgical obturator base.
• This design facilitates a large surface area for bonding soft reline materials, enabling rapid construction.
• The method allows for quick adjustments during the critical wound healing phase.

Implications:

• This innovative approach significantly reduces the time and complexity of obturator fabrication for hemimaxillectomy patients.
• The chairside technique offers greater flexibility for timely adjustments, potentially improving patient comfort and healing outcomes.
• This method could streamline the treatment process for patients undergoing hemimaxillectomy, making it more efficient for clinicians.