Abstract :
Various techniques have been described to restore acquired maxillary defects. The aim of this paper is
to review the contemporary treatment modalities that have been explored to rehabilitate and reconstruct
partial or complete maxillectomy in dentulous and edentulous patients. MEDLINE/PUBMED search
was conducted for dental literature published from January 2000 to December 2018. Literature study
revealed various methods and materials used to treat patients with acquired maxillary defects. These
include modifications in method and materials used for the fabrication of conventional obturators (using
precision and semi-precision attachments, telescopic copings, magnets, silicone based materials, titanium
and its alloys, PEEK, thermoplastic resin); implant-supported obturators supported on conventional,
zygomatic and pterygoid implants using different attachments (ERA, magnet, bar attachment, locator,
ball attachment); use of CAD/CAM technology for presurgical planning and fabrication of obturator
prosthesis; surgical reconstruction with microvascular free tissue flaps; and bone engineering. Significant
attention has been devoted to refining current methods and developing better methods to successfully
rehabilitate maxillectomy patients. The use of osseointegrated implants, newer prosthesis materials,
advanced laboratory procedures, inclusion of CAD/CAM technology, advances in surgical reconstructive
techniques and tissue engineering has revolutionized the traditional treatment options.
Keyword :
Maxillectomy, Implants in maxillectomy, Microvascular free flap, Bone tissue engineering.