Maxillary Obturator Prosthesis Made with Polyetherketoneketone Using Optical Impression and CAD/CAM System

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Digital Dentistry

Background:

• Maxillary obturator prostheses are crucial for patients with oro-nasal defects, restoring mastication and speech.
• Poor denture retention and fit can lead to significant patient dissatisfaction and functional impairment.
• Traditional fabrication methods can be time-consuming and require multiple patient visits.

Observation:

• A 68-year-old male patient presented with a damaged maxillary obturator retainer, causing poor retention and masticatory difficulties.
• The existing obturator exhibited incompatibility between the obturator and the mucosal surface of the denture base, leading to retainer detachment.
• The maxillary defect was classified as H3S0D0T0 according to the HS classification.

Findings:

• A novel maxillary obturator was fabricated using a Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system, incorporating optical impressions and occlusal records.
• Dental CAD software facilitated the design and tooth arrangement, while a CAM system milled a polyetherketoneketone disc.
• The prosthesis was completed in just three visits, significantly reducing the overall treatment duration and number of hospital appointments.

Implications:

• Digital workflow, including optical impressions and CAD/CAM fabrication, streamlines the obturator prosthesis process.
• This approach enhances patient comfort by minimizing discomfort associated with traditional impression techniques.
• The study highlights the potential of advanced digital technologies to improve outcomes and efficiency in maxillofacial prosthodontics.