Prosthetic Treatment of a Patient With Resection of the Hard Palate With an Obturator With a Silicone Base

Abstract

The most commonly used treatment method for maxillary resection patients is with an obturator, closing the communication between the oral and nasal cavity. Prosthetic methods and means with different types of materials are used for its fabrication. The purpose of the described clinical case is to track the opportunity for treatment of a patient with resection of the hard palate, with an obturator with a silicon base.The clinical case tracks the treatment of a patient with maxillary carcinoma. Preliminary alginate impressions were taken from the jaws. A custom tray with which a functional impression with a silicone material was taken, was fabricated for the mandible. The height and the central position of the mandible were determined with record bases with wax rims. The dentures were finished with heat cured resin. The upper denture was used as a custom tray for taking a functional impression of the prosthetic field with silicone cream material. After packing in the laboratory, the impression material was replaced with permanent soft relining material Molloplast B (Detax). The finished dentures were adjusted and articulated until bilaterally balanced occlusion was achieved. Treatment results showed good retention and stability of the prosthetic construction. Functional impression shaping and subsequent replacing with silicon material ensured a good and tight hermetic seal in the area of the defect. The use of permanent soft relining material allowed a trauma-free transmission of masticatory pressure and a stable connection with the plastic base of the obturator. The patient’s eating and speech as well as the fluid intake were successfully restored. The achieved results improved the quality of life of the patient and his self-esteem. Prosthetic treatment with an obturator with a silicon base provides good retention and stability of the prosthetic construction which allows successful restoration of the patient`s eating and speech.