Published online Nov 20, 2013. doi: 10.5321/wjs.v2.i4.97
Revised: August 22, 2013
Accepted: September 3, 2013
Published online: November 20, 2013
Oral cancer treatment primarily focused on the surgical removal of cancer tissues followed by surgical/prosthetic reconstruction. Restoration of the missing structures immediately after surgery shortens recovery time and allows patient to return to community as a functioning member. The most practiced surgical obturators are simple resin prosthetic bases without incorporation of the teeth. This article highlights a technique to fabricate a surgical obturator that duplicates patient’s original tissue form including teeth, alveolus and palatal tissues. The obturator is placed immediately after surgery and make patient feel unaware of surgical deformity. The obturator prosthesis fabricated with this technique supports soft tissues and minimizes the scar contracture. We have clinically tried this technique in 11 patients. Patients’ satisfaction level was recorded on visual analogue scale (VAS) and it ranges between 74% and 94% (with average of 87%). Four different prosthodontists have visually evaluated facial asymmetry of patients at 6 mo recall and their average perception on VAS varies between 71% and 93% (with average of 84%).
Core tip: This article highlights a technique to fabricate a surgical obturator that duplicates patient’s original tissue form including teeth, alveolus and palatal tissues. Make patient feel unaware of surgical deformity. The obturator prosthesis fabricated with this technique supports soft tissues and minimizes the scar contracture. We have clinically tried this technique in 11 patients. Patients’ satisfaction level was recorded on visual analogue scale (VAS) and it ranges between 74% and 94% (with average of 87%). Four different prosthodontists have visually evaluated facial asymmetry of patients at 6 months recall and their average perception on VAS varies between 71% and 93% (with average of 84%).