Maxillectomy
A maxillectomy is a surgical procedure removing all or part of the upper jaw (the maxilla). The resulting defect makes swallowing, speaking, chewing, and the use of regular denture appliances almost impossible.
A maxillectomy prosthesis or “obturator” restores the surgical defect and aids in the function of speaking, chewing, or swallowing. It fills the void left by the surgery and artificially replaces bone and teeth. This is essentially a custom denture with extra bulk to fill the defect created after removal of the cancer.
Fabrication of an obturator is often accomplished in three phases, sometimes with three separate prostheses:
Surgical Prostheses
Transitional Prostheses
Definitive Prostheses
Prostheses Care
This is the prosthesis that will be placed at the time of surgery and is secured in place by either wires or small screws. It will remain in place until your first post op visit with Dr. Kang.
This phase is started 2-3 weeks after surgery when the surgical obturator is removed. The transitional prosthesis is placed and modified until healing is complete. This phase may extend from 3-24 months. Teeth are usually placed on the obturator during this phase.
This phase begins when healing is complete and involves fabrication of prosthesis intended for long-term use. Definitive treatment may involve fixed prosthesis (crowns) and/or removable prosthesis.
Any phase of treatment may be altered depending on the nature of the disease and its staging, radiation, chemotherapy, and potential surgical complications.
Clean the obturator after meals and at bedtime. Use soap and water or a toothbrush with toothpaste to remove plaque. Clean the obturator over 4-5 inches of water in a basin or sink to avoid damage to the obturator should it drop. Remove the prosthesis at night and place it in a container of water. (Please note that the initial surgical obturator placed during your surgery is NOT to be removed until Dr. Kang removes it).