Abstract :
A large maxillary defect situation is often challenging in terms of prosthetic rehabilitation considering
the lack of retention, facial support and limited mouth opening along with psychological and functional
trauma to the patient. In such situations we aim to successfully rehabilitate the defect in terms of function
and aesthetics while ensuring complete obturation of the defect. A 65 years old female with maxillary
surgical defect of right side due to squamous cell carcinoma resection along with associated limited mouth
opening and post surgical scar contracture reported for prosthetic rehabilitation. This paper describes in
detail an unconventional method for the fabrication of a modified hollow bulb obturator with an implant
retained mandibular overdenture with monoplane occlusion and balancing ramps. This not only closed
the oro-antral communication but also enhanced the masticatory performance, speech and psychological
status of the patient. Decreased weight of the prosthesis and an implant retained mandibular overdenture
with monoplane occlusion and balancing ramps improved retention, stability and support of the prosthesis,
thereby, improving the quality of life after extensive maxillectomy.
Keyword :
Hollow bulb obturator, Maxillectomy, Mandibular overdenture, Monoplane plane occlusion, Balancing ramp.