Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2025
Designing CAD/CAM Surgical Guides for Maxillary Reconstruction Using an In-house Approach
Published on: August 24, 2018
A digital workflow for fabricating an interim obturator after partial maxillary resection.
Ruifeng Zhao1, Yu Dong2, Ningning Liu3
1Graduated Student, Digital Center, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China; Researcher, Department of Stomatology, Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
This study presents a digital workflow for creating interim obturators using 3D printing. It leverages radiopaque iodoform gauze to accurately model surgical defects, offering a new option for patients needing obturator fabrication.
Area of Science:
- Dental prosthetics
- Maxillofacial surgery
- Digital dentistry
Background:
- Partial maxillectomy creates oronasal defects requiring obturators.
- Traditional obturator fabrication can be complex and time-consuming.
- Patients may lack pre-surgical prosthetic consultation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a digital workflow for interim obturator fabrication.
- To utilize radiopaque iodoform gauze for defect simulation.
- To employ computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) with 3D printing.
Main Methods:
- Simulating postoperative oronasal defects using radiopaque iodoform gauze.
- Employing a CAD-CAM workflow for digital design.
- Fabricating the interim obturator via 3D printing.
Main Results:
- A digital workflow for interim obturator fabrication was successfully described.
- Radiopacity of iodoform gauze facilitated accurate defect simulation.
- 3D printing enabled efficient obturator generation.
Conclusions:
- This digital workflow offers a promising alternative for interim obturator fabrication.
- The technique is particularly beneficial for patients without pre-surgical prosthetic input.
- It streamlines the process for patients presenting without a surgical obturator.
