Light is right-various techniques to fabricate hollow obturators

Management of malignancies and abnormal growths in maxillary sinus often include ablative surgeries. The closure of the resulting anatomical defect can be achieved with an obturator prosthesis. Reduction in weight of the obturator is an important consideration in improving the retention and stability of the prosthesis. Hollowing the bulb of the obturator (extension of the prosthesis into the defect) is an effective method of reducing the weight of the prosthesis. Such obturators can be one piece or two pieces. Of the many methods to make an obturator hollow, four techniques are described here. Along with the pros and cons of each, the method of fabrication is detailed as well. It is the discretion of the operator to apply these techniques aptly for fabrication of either an interim or a definitive prosthesis.