A mini dental implant-supported obturator application in a patient with partial maxillectomy due to tumor: case report

Following a partial maxillectomy in a patient, the oral and nasal cavities remain open, providing a passageway for transmission of air and fluids between the 2 cavities. In such cases the primary aim should be the construction of an implant-supported obturator prosthesis with adequate retention, stability, and peripheral seal. In this case report, a 34-year-old female patient who underwent a class II (according to Okay et al.) partial maxillectomy 14 years before was fitted with an obturator that was supported by 5 mini dental implants. The reason for the preference of mini dental implants is the lack of adequate bone tissue for conventional implant placement in the resected area and the placement of mini dental implants with a simple surgical procedure. The treatment achieved restoration of the lost functions, which satisfied the patient, restoring her self-confidence and enhancing her quality of life. Thus, applying obturators supported by mini dental implants was successful and may be considered as an alternative to more complicated surgical techniques. Although the presented case is promising, further clinical research is needed to draw more definite conclusions.