Post-operative obturator after maxillectomy: A systematic review

This systematic review aims to determine the types of obturators commonly used after maxillary surgery based on several articles from dental journals. A total of 121 articles were obtained in a data search through the PubMed and Wiley databases. Title selection produces 87 articles. Furthermore, the abstract collection was done afterward and provided 19 articles. All of the articles have full text. Five articles were obtained and read carefully to make sure it meets the inclusion criteria. The articles were then analyzed by the two authors. Five case reports were obtained in this review. They discussed five different types of the obturator; they were thermoplastic stent, movable obturator, hollow antral bulb, acrylic palatal obturator, and headgear facebow obturator. All of them have their advantages and weaknesses in rehabilitative treatment. Various types of obturator can be used to help in improving speech, swallowing, and aesthetic functions. The choice depends on the case, such as the amount of tissue that is lost and needs to be replaced, as well as the functions required, such as swallowing, mastication, and aesthetics.