Immediate Oral Rehabilitation Using a Surgical Obturator with Buccal Extension After Partial Maxillectomy: a Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Maxillary defects resulting from surgical treatment for tumors, congenital malformations, and traumas might interrupt the patient’s speech, mastication, swallowing function, and physical appearance. The surgical obturator serves to restore the continuity of the palate as an immediate prosthesis after surgery. It provides an anatomically accurate, clean scaffold for surgical dressing while supporting and keeping the facial flap pressure. We report a case of temporary immediate oral rehabilitation after partial maxillectomy. A-39-year-old female with benign right maxillary tumor. The surgical obturator design with the addition of a buccal extension. Buccal extension is a high buccal flange that supports the facial flap and consequently maintains the facial aesthetics. This obturator also serves as a scaffold for surgical dressing and temporary defect closure between the nasal and oral cavities. A brief literature review regarding oral rehabilitation using a surgical obturator after maxillectomy is also explained. Follow-up evaluation showed that the obturator supports the upper lip, lifts the nasal lobe of the affected area, and provides a more symmetrical facial feature. Oral function improvements such as swallowing, speech, and better facial profile are also observed.