Cases Requiring Maxillary Obturator Prostheses Rehabilitation among Patient that Attended Maxillofacial Prosthetic Laboratory, Dental Clinic, LUTH from 2013-2023.
Authors: A Chibuzo Virginia. , C Okoronkwo Samuel , N Ngwu Justina , O Unogu Mackson , C Ndubuisi Michael , C Okoronkwo Esther 
Published: December 2024

Background: In the course of research work it was observed that after maxillectomy, prosthetic restoration of the resulting defect is the fundamental step because it signals the beginning of patient’s rehabilitation.

Aim: The General objectives of this study is to identify the cases requiring maxillary obturator prosthesis, the types of obturator used in the management of the defects and finally to know the causes of maxillary defect among patients that have attended maxillofacial prosthetic Laboratory, Dental Unit at LUTH from 2013-2023.

Methods: In this study, a total number of 75 cases of maxillary defects were seen and the patients’ attendance register was accessed with the help of record officers and all data collected were recorded in a datasheet.

Results: The analysis of demographic data pertaining to maxillary cases reveals intriguing patterns regarding gender distribution and religious affiliation. In examining, it becomes evident that within the study period (2013-2023), a total number of 75 maxillary cases were recorded, 35 cases in Females, while Males accounted for 40 cases. This indicates a higher prevalence of maxillary defects among males, Moreover, when considering the yearly prevalence of maxillary cases, it is notable that females consistently exhibited a higher number of maxillary cases compared to males in most years, with the exception of 2019 and 2020. This suggests a potential gender-specific susceptibility to maxillary defects, necessitating subsequent examination into underlying physiological and environmental factors contributing to this disparity. Furthermore, an examination of the types of maxillary defects sheds light on the etiology of these conditions. Congenital defects account for the majority of cases. comprising 54.7% of all cases, followed by traumatic defects at 25.3%, and surgical defects at 20%. Interestingly, while the prevalence of congenital and traumatic defects appears relatively balanced between Males and Females, with slight variations in percentages, surgical defects exhibit a notable difference, with males comprising a higher percentage compared to Females (20% vs. 11%). This suggests potential gender-specific differences in the nature of maxillary defects, particularly those arising from surgical interventions. Moreover, religious affiliation appears to influence the distribution of maxillary cases, as evidenced by the breakdown of cases among Christians and Muslims. It is observed that Christians accounted for a higher number of maxillary cases (42) compared to Muslims (33) over the study period while the rationale for this inconsistency are not explicitly stated in the data, it may reflect to Prachy variations in healthcare-seeking behavior, genetic predispositions, or socio-economic factors between the two religious groups. Regarding the types of maxillary obturators, the data reveals variations in treatment modalities utilized for maxillary defects. Feeding plates dental emerged as the predominant type of obturator, representing 56% of cases, followed by definitive obturators at 40%, and immediate surgical obturators at 4%. This distribution underscores the importance of tailored treatment approaches based on the nature and severity of the maxillary defect, with feeding plates likely employed for infants or individuals requiring early intervention for feeding difficulties. The result of test of hypothesis using Chi- Square statistical tool shows that there is a relationship between maxillary defects and the use of obturator.

Conclusion: Timely management of these defects with common type of obturator is useful in the practice. It was recommended that dental training and continuous education should be done to practicing dental Technologists.