title: Effect of resilient lining of obturator bulbs on patients with maxillectomies.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) obturator bulbs are hard and nonresilient. The relief for these obturators limits the support available for the bulbs and may limit mastication on the side with the resection. Resilient liners may improve mastication by gaining greater support from closer contact with tissues within the defects.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this crossover clinical trial was to compare masticatory function scores of individuals with maxillectomies rehabilitated by using all-PMMA and PMMA obturator bulbs lined with resilient silicone.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve participants with maxillectomies were provided with 2 definitive obturator dentures after initial rehabilitation. One of the obturator dentures had a hollow obturator bulb in all-PMMA, while the other had a hollow-core PMMA with an outer layer of silicone-resilient liner. Participants wore each obturator for a 2-week period without washout. Masticatory function on the rehabilitated sides was assessed by using an adapted Sato questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed by using paired t test results of mean masticatory function scores (α=.05).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants found 98.35% of the foodstuffs easy to masticate on the dentate sides. An average of 60.40% of the participants found the foodstuffs easy to masticate on the rehabilitated sides with the silicone-lined obturators. 18.35% of participants found the foodstuffs easy to masticate with the all-PMMA obturators (P<.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Resilient lining of PMMA resin obturator bulbs significantly improved masticatory ability in rehabilitated areas of the mouth.
authors.affiliation: Lecturer, Department of Oral Restorative Dentistry, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. Electronic address: feyiikusika@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Oluwafeyisayo F
authors.initials: OF
authors.lastname: Ikusika
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Oluwole O
authors.initials: OO
authors.lastname: Dosumu
authors.affiliation: Senior Lecturer, Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Deborah M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Ajayi
authors.affiliation: Lecturer, Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Tunde J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Ogunrinde
mesh_terms: D001732:Bite Force; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003764:Dental Materials; D003819:Denture Bases; D003822:Denture Liners; D006801:Humans; D008409:Mastication; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery*; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate
chemical_list: D003764:Dental Materials; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate