An Implant-Retained Obturator – A Case Study

This case describes the oral rehabilitation of a patient following maxillary hemi-section due to squamous cell carcinoma of the palate. Planned treatment was construction of a maxillary implant-supported obturator. Two dental implants were placed in his maxilla to aid the support and retention of an obturator. However, owing to bone availability, their angulation was suboptimal and compromised the retention of the obturator. This case describes alternative implant attachments to aid the retention and stability of implant-retained dentures constructed in cases with suboptimal implant placement. Clinical relevance: This case highlights the importance of careful planning for implant placement, and reinforces the need to plan the prostheses before implant surgery. This case highlights possible difficulties that can arise if implants are non-ideally angulated, and how to adapt restorations to manage such difficulties in cases with maxillary removable prostheses.