Prosthetic Rehabilitation of a Maxillary Defect in a Completely Edentulous Patient: Case Report

Maxillary defects represent a major challenge in maxillofacial prosthodontics because of their anatomical, functional, esthetic, and psychological consequences. These defects most commonly result from surgical resection of tumors involving the upper aerodigestive tract. The resulting oro-sinusal communication compromises essential functions such as mastication, speech, swallowing, and respiration. Prosthetic rehabilitation with an obturator prosthesis remains the gold standard therapeutic approach, particularly in completely edentulous patients. This report describes the clinical management of a 58-year-old completely edentulous patient presenting with a Class II maxillary defect according to Aramany’s classification following resection of a squamous cell carcinoma involving the right hemi-maxilla. The rehabilitation protocol included the fabrication of an immediate obturator followed by tissue conditioning using an interim obturator to promote mucosal healing and improve tissue adaptation prior to definitive prosthetic rehabilitation. A definitive hollow closed obturator was subsequently fabricated after complete tissue stabilization. Clinical outcomes demonstrated significant improvement in orofacial functions, facial esthetics, and psychological well-being. The objective of this work is to describe the different stages involved in the prosthetic rehabilitation of a maxillary defect in a completely edentulous patient.