title: A simple method of enhancing retention in interim hollow bulb obturator in a case of an acquired palatal defect.
abstract: Maxillary defects occur either as a result of surgical resection of malignant tumors of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses or of the congenital causes. Rehabilitation of the patients with maxillectomy defects presents a challenge in restoring the lost form, function and speech. Maxillary interim obturators in prosthetic reconstruction of the defects are often complicated with lack of adequate retention, stability, and support. This case report presents the simplified approach, to rehabilitate a case of sub-total maxillectomy due to squamous cell carcinoma of maxillary sinus, using a closed hollow bulb obturator prosthesis fabricated with a "U" loop and a modified buccal flange for enhanced retention of the prosthesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Vivekanandha Dental College for Women, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Karthikeyan
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Vivekanandha Dental College for Women, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Balu
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Vivekanandha Dental College for Women, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Devaki
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Vivekanandha Dental College for Women, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ajay
keywords: Acrylic resin mask; enhanced retention; hollow bulb obturator; modified buccal flange; partial maxillectomy; stability; support; “U” loop