Integrated Oral and Facial Prosthetic Rehabilitation Postoncologic Resection: A Modified Obturator Approach

Abstract

Rehabilitation of maxillofacial defects following oncological surgery remains a clinical challenge. Patients undergoing extensive ablative procedures often present with complex intraoral and extraoral defects that severely compromise function, esthetics, and quality of life. This case report describes the prosthetic rehabilitation of a 61-year-old male patient with a combined intraoral and extraoral defect secondary to surgical resection and radiotherapy for carcinoma of the right buccal mucosa. The patient was rehabilitated with a maxillary obturator prosthesis and a silicone extraoral facial prosthesis. A mechanical retention system was employed by fabricating a slot in the obturator and a corresponding mechanical plug in the silicone prosthesis, enabling functional retention, esthetics, and improved patient comfort. This report discusses the clinical approach, challenges faced, and the resultant impact on the patient’s quality of life.