Management of a case of hemi-maxillectomy with a definitive obturator

Surgical removal of malignant or non-malignant pathologies from the head and neck region accounts for the majority of jaw defects seen in maxillofacial practice.With the integrity of oro-facial structures compromised, it causes significant functional and social problems, which invariably affect speech and swallowing.When surgical reconstruction is contraindicated, prosthetic rehabilitation must be offered to restore the anatomy, functions and aesthetics.Maxillo-facial prosthodontists play a major role in the intervention to improve the quality of life in such compromised patients.Excessive stress on abutment teeth adjacent to a maxillary resection defect during loading of acrylic partial denture obturator framework can shorten the life of the teeth.This article describes the obturator designed on a cast partial denture framework for maximum longevity.