What is an Obturator?
An obturator is a dental prosthesis designed for patients with an opening in their palate caused by trauma, disease, surgery, or congenital conditions. This custom-fitted device restores the ability to eat and swallow safely and aids in clear communication, helping to reduce the anxiety associated with speech impairment.
While surgery is often successful in closing the palate, an obturator may be necessary to completely cover the opening. It can also be used if the opening recurs after surgery, as an alternative to surgery, or as a temporary measure until surgery is appropriate.
When would I need an obturator?
Oral and Sinus Cancer: When tumors are removed from the mouth or sinuses, surgery may require removing parts of the upper jaw, palate, and possibly teeth. An obturator can both cover the opening left from the tumor removal and replace missing teeth.
Post-Surgery: Various head and facial surgeries can temporarily create openings into the sinuses, making it difficult and unsafe to eat and speak during recovery. An obturator fills this opening as tissue heals and can be made smaller over time as the tissue regenerates.
Traumatic Injuries: Significant facial and mouth injuries can damage the palate and teeth, potentially leaving an opening that affects the ability to eat and speak.
Congenital Cleft Palate: An obturator is recommended for infants and children with a cleft palate while waiting until surgery is appropriate. It ensures proper nutrition and supports speech development so the child can successfully meet age-appropriate milestones.
What are the different types of obturators and involved in the treatment process?
During your treatment process you will receive dietary and physical therapy counseling and instructions, professional dental cleanings, and home care routine instructions. Additionally, you will be provided with information on how to care for and clean your obturator prosthesis. Working as partners throughout the treatment process is vital to the long-term success of your health and longevity of your prosthesis.
There are three main types of obturators you may use during different phases of your treatment:
- Surgical (immediate) Obturator. This obturator is made from impressions taken before surgery and placed immediately after.
- Interim (temporary) Obturator. In the weeks following your surgery, as your tissues heal, the surgical obturator may begin to lose its secure fit and comfortable feel. An interim obturator is used during this healing period. It can be made either by taking new impressions and fabricating a new prosthesis or by modifying your existing surgical obturator if possible.
- Definitive (final) Obturator. Once your tissues have completely healed following surgery, a definitive or final obturator is made for your long-term use.
Benefits of an Obturator
Restores Functionality: Enables safe and effective eating, swallowing, and speaking.
Reduces Anxiety: Helps alleviate speech impairment anxiety by aiding clear communication.
Temporary or Permanent Solution: Can be used as a temporary measure until surgery or as an alternative when surgery is not an option.
A palatal obturator plays a crucial role in maintaining essential functions and quality of life for patients with significant oral and facial conditions.
What type of dentist designs an obturator and manages my treatment?
As a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist, Dr. Catherine Cagino treats conditions affecting the entire head and neck region. Maxillofacial prosthodontics, a subspecialty of prosthodontics, focuses on rehabilitating patients with congenital defects, disease, or trauma-related disabilities. Dr. Cagino also creates prostheses to protect areas of the head and neck during radiation therapy. She often combines maxillofacial prosthetics with traditional dental therapies to restore health, function, and aesthetics to her patients’ mouths.
Dr. Cagino works closely with ENTs, oral and general surgeons, oncologists, plastic surgeons, anaplastologists, and other medical specialists to ensure optimal, long-term outcomes for her patients. By collaborating with both her patients and their medical teams, she develops customized treatment plans focused on restoring function, comfort, longevity, and confidence. If you’d like to explore how Dr. Cagino can help you, call or email our team to discuss your goals and schedule an initial consultation.