Split Hollow Bulb Obturator to Rehabilitate Maxillary Defect: A Case Report

Abstract

The rehabilitation of a maxillectomy patient involves meticulous treatment planning and designing. Lack of retention and facial support and limited mouth opening are the major issues that lead to functional and psychological trauma in post-maxillectomy patients. The successful rehabilitation of a maxillary defect includes restoring the function, esthetics, and a complete obturation of the defect, enabling the patient to feed without nasal regurgitation. This case report describes the fabrication of an obturator with a modified design, namely a split-antral hollow bulb obturator and oral part that is retained with a ball attachment, for a patient with right-side acquired maxillary defect due to recurrent myxoma. The primary advantage of this modification is enhanced facial support and a self-retentive antral obturation that improved the quality of life of the patient after an extensive maxillectomy.