title: Aesthetic considerations for maxillary obturators retained by implants.
abstract: Maxillary obturators are prostheses used to replace maxillary tissues, missing congenitally or removed by trauma or tumor ablative surgery. These prostheses are used to restore function (speech, swallowing, and mastication) and aesthetics. A considerable number of edentulous patients have difficulty in retaining this type of prosthesis. Utilization of osseointegrated dental implants is a significant adjunct in treating these cases, but it must be undertaken with careful planning to ensure predictable aesthetic results. The learning objective of this article is to discuss the technique of designing aesthetic maxillary prostheses supported by osseointegrated dental implants. The discussion includes indications and contraindications, and a postcarcinoma surgery case is used to illustrate the clinical procedure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, LSU Medical Center, School of Dentistry, New Orleans 70119-2799, USA.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Salinas
authors.forename: L R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Guerra
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Rogers
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D015921:Dental Implants; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008441:Maxillary Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008447:Maxillofacial Prosthesis; D019931:Maxillofacial Prosthesis Implantation; D009066:Mouth, Edentulous / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010158:Palatal Obturators; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D018579:Patient Selection
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants