Cast Retainer Hollow Bulb Obturator for a Maxillary Defect -A Case Report

One of the most rapidly growing areas of dentistry of both interest and need is maxillofacial prosthetics. Malignant tumours of the upper gum and hard palate account for 1-5% of malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity; two thirds of the lesions which involve these areas are squamous cell carcinomas. Most of these carcinomas are diagnosed late, when they invade the underlying bone. The procedures of choice for removal are: alveolectomy, palatectomy, maxillectomy, which may be total or partial. Still the rehabilitation of these patients is a daunting job. Rehabilitating patients with maxillofacial defects is one of the most difficult therapies of the stomatognathic system. Factors that affect the management of maxillary defects are the presence of teeth, amount of remaining support area and defect characteristics. When these factors are not favorable and negatively impact the treatment outcome, then successful prosthetic management of the defect becomes more challenging. For good prognosis, sufficient retention of the prosthesis is a prerequisite. Simultaneously, the prosthesis should be comfortable to the supporting and surrounding tissues, which have undergone surgery. This article presents case of a Maxillary defect (Aramany class III-Central resection) patient, where rehabilitation is carried out with a Cast partial hollow bulb obturator, which is light in weight and aids in better retention and comfort of the patient.