The use of optical scanner for the fabrication of maxillary obturator prostheses. 2020

Matteo Brucoli, and Paolo Boffano, and Andrea Pezzana, and Chiara Corio, and Arnaldo Benech
Division of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital "Maggiore della Carita", University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy.

BACKGROUND Maxillectomy following tumors or, more rarely, traumatic injuries may result in maxillary defects that may determine physical dysfunctions and functional impairment of speech and swallowing. The aim of our study was to present our experience in the management of post-maxillectomy patients by the use of obturator prostheses that were obtained by 3D digital casts via an intraoral scanner. METHODS Patients with maxillary defects following maxillary and/or palatal resection or maxillary traumatic avulsion were selected for this clinical study between 2015 and 2018. Five to 6 months after surgery, a definitive obturator prosthesis was fabricated thanks to an intraoral scanner. The following parameters of clinical outcome were considered: the absence of fluid leakage, the recovery of phonation, the recovery of swallowing, and personal satisfaction. RESULTS Twenty-eight patients (20 males, 8 females) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Most patients had a maxillary and/or palatal defect because of a malignant tumor. On the whole, 93% of patients reported a complete absence of fluid leakage between maxillary sinuses or nasal fossa and oral cavity; most patients reported a good or complete recovery of phonation and swallowing. CONCLUSIONS Digital technology for the fabrication of maxillary obturator prosthesis may be effective and useful. The reduced laboratory working time, the avoidance of the risk of aspiration of impression materials, and the overcome of the difficulties associated with whole tissue undercut impression are just some of the most important advantages that have been encountered thanks to this promising technology.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D008437 Maxilla One of a pair of irregularly shaped bones that form the upper jaw. A maxillary bone provides tooth sockets for the superior teeth, forms part of the ORBIT, and contains the MAXILLARY SINUS. Maxillae,Maxillary Bone,Bone, Maxillary,Bones, Maxillary,Maxillary Bones,Maxillas
D008447 Maxillofacial Prosthesis A prosthetic appliance for the replacement of areas of the maxilla, mandible, and face, missing as a result of deformity, disease, injury, or surgery. When the prosthesis replaces portions of the mandible only, it is referred to as MANDIBULAR PROSTHESIS. Maxillary Prosthesis,Maxillary Prostheses,Maxillofacial Prostheses,Prostheses, Maxillary,Prostheses, Maxillofacial,Prosthesis, Maxillary,Prosthesis, Maxillofacial
D010158 Palatal Obturators Appliances that close a cleft or fissure of the palate. Cleft Palate Prosthesis,Nasoalveolar Molding Devices,Obturators, Palatal,Cleft Palate Prostheses,Device, Nasoalveolar Molding,Devices, Nasoalveolar Molding,Molding Device, Nasoalveolar,Molding Devices, Nasoalveolar,Nasoalveolar Molding Device,Obturator, Palatal,Palatal Obturator,Palate Prostheses, Cleft,Palate Prosthesis, Cleft,Prostheses, Cleft Palate,Prosthesis, Cleft Palate
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D015921 Dental Implants Biocompatible materials placed into (endosseous) or onto (subperiosteal) the jawbone to support a crown, bridge, or artificial tooth, or to stabilize a diseased tooth. Dental Implants, Mini,Dental Prosthesis, Surgical,Implants, Dental,Dental Implant,Dental Prostheses, Surgical,Implant, Dental,Prostheses, Surgical Dental,Prosthesis, Surgical Dental,Surgical Dental Prostheses,Surgical Dental Prosthesis,Dental Implant, Mini,Mini Dental Implant,Mini Dental Implants

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