MAXILLARY OBTURATOR PROSTHESIS REHABILITATION FOLLOWING MAXILLECTOMY FOR AMELOBLASTOMA: A CLINICAL CASE REPORT

Ameloblastoma is a benign, locally aggressive tumour arising from the odontogenic epithelium. The most common location of ameloblastoma is the posterior region of the mandible, with a mandibular‑to‑maxillary ratio of 5:1. Ameloblastoma of the maxilla is comparatively rare, and the molar area is the most commonly affected site compared to the anterior region. Surgical resection is the most common treatment modality for this kind of neoplasms.Rehabilitation following surgical resection of the maxillary area is frequently a difficult task for maxillofacial prosthodontists. The amount of impairment and difficulty in prosthetic rehabilitation is usually influenced by the size and location of the defect. Communication between the nasal and oral cavities impairs swallowing and speech and gives an unsightly appearance. Obturator prosthesis is a popular method for rehabilitating hemimaxillectomy patients. This article describes a case of acquired maxillary defect caused by ameloblastoma that was successfully treated with an interim obturator following surgical resection by maximising the support, stability, and retention, which acts as a barrier to communication between the oral and nasal cavities.