Lost wax-bolus technique to process closed hollow obturator with uniform wall thickness using single flasking procedure

Abstract

Introduction: Maxillary obturator prosthesis is more frequent treatment modality than surgical reconstruction for maxillectomy in patients suffering from oral cancer. The obturators often become heavy and hence are hollowed out in the defect portion to reduce its weight as a standard practice. Materials and Methods: The processing technique described the incorporation of the preshaped “wax-bolus” during packing procedure of the Obturtor prosthesis and eliminated later by melting it once the curing procedure is completed. Results: This article is a single step procedure resulting into the closed-hollow obturator as single unit with uniform wall thickness around the hollow space ensuring the least possible weight of the hollow obturator. Conclusion: This processing technique achieves predictable internal dimension of the hollow space providing uniform wall thickness of the obturator.

Keywords

• Hollow obturator
• maxillectomy
• obturator processing technique
• oral cancer
• retention of prosthesis