Page 138 - 7. FINAL draft Compendium 2019 2020_22072022

SIMPLIFIED OPEN HOLLOW OBTURATOR FOR HEMIMAXILLECTOMY PATIENT: A CASE
REPORT
NMRR-19-1685-48987

Yim KY, Kamarul HK

Introduction: Surgical treatment for maxillary tumors often result in communication
between the oral cavity and nasal/sinus cavities. Postsurgical maxillary defects predispose
patient to hypernasal speech as well as impairment in swallowing and chewing ability;
hence reducing their quality of life. Rehabilitation can be accomplished either surgically or
prosthetically; depending on the extent and involvement of the defect. The age, general
medical condition, possibility of malignant recurrence, socioeconomic situation as well as
expectation of the patient needs to be taken into consideration as well. Case report: A
hollow bulb palatal obturator partial denture was constructed for this patient. There was
an improvement in speech immediately after the prosthesis installation and patient
reported greater ease to feed. For this patient prosthetic rehabilitation was deemed to be
the best option. The main barrier in prosthetic rehabilitation is the weight of the prosthesis
that causes the prosthesis to be bulky and non-retentive especially when the defect is large.
Conclusion: Hence, a hollow bulb obturator was designed to reduce the weight of the
prosthesis while maintaining its function and hygiene at the same time.

First place for oral presentation at 4 JKWPKL & Putrajaya & 2 HRC Research Day 2019 on 8 August 2019.
nd
th
th
Dr Yim Kah Yian
Dr Kamarul Hisham Kamarudin
Kuala Lumpur Dental Clinic
WP Kuala Lumpur

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