Obturators for acquired palatal defects.
The developing role of the prosthodontist in the head and neck cancer team is discussed and a sequence of care given for patients who will require the restoration by prosthetic means of surgically created palatal defects. Various styles of definitive obturators are described.


CONCLUSIONS
A knowledge of the care of patients with palatal defects is of value to GDPs and to members of the head and neck cancer team.
Walter
John
J
GKT Dental Institute, Stoke Mandeville Hospital.
D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D017268:Dental Prosthesis Retention; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D010158:Palatal Obturators / Q000592:standards*; D010159:Palate / Q000601:surgery*