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Case Reports
. 2017 Jan-Mar;17(1):84-88.
doi: 10.4103/0972-4052.176538.

Lost wax-bolus technique to process closed hollow obturator with uniform wall thickness using single flasking procedure

Pravinkumar G Patil  1 , Smita Nimbalkar-Patil  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Lost wax-bolus technique to process closed hollow obturator with uniform wall thickness using single flasking procedure

Pravinkumar G Patil et al. J Indian Prosthodont Soc. 2017 Jan-Mar.

Abstract

Introduction: Maxillary obturator prosthesis is more frequent treatment modality than surgical reconstruction for maxillectomy in patients suffering from oral cancer. The obturators often become heavy and hence are hollowed out in the defect portion to reduce its weight as a standard practice.

Materials and methods: The processing technique described the incorporation of the preshaped "wax-bolus" during packing procedure of the Obturtor prosthesis and eliminated later by melting it once the curing procedure is completed.

Results: This article is a single step procedure resulting into the closed-hollow obturator as single unit with uniform wall thickness around the hollow space ensuring the least possible weight of the hollow obturator.

Conclusion: This processing technique achieves predictable internal dimension of the hollow space providing uniform wall thickness of the obturator.

Keywords: Hollow obturator; maxillectomy; obturator processing technique; oral cancer; retention of prosthesis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) Maxillectomy defect. (b) Irreversible hydrocolloid impression. (c) Maxillomandibular relationship record. (d) Teeth arrangement
Figure 2
Figure 2
Flasking of waxed-up prosthesis
Figure 3
Figure 3
Dewaxing
Figure 4
Figure 4
Modeling wax sheet adapted on defect area on base and counter flask
Figure 5
Figure 5
Wax-bolus has taken shape of hollow space between two adapted sheets
Figure 6
Figure 6
Shaped wax-bolus. Note stops created corresponding to windows
Figure 7
Figure 7
Wax-bolus seated in original position. Note that wax-bolus is uniformly away from cast/investment surface except the stops
Figure 8
Figure 8
Incorporation of wax-bolus during packing
Figure 9
Figure 9
(a) Removal of remnants of wax-bolus with steam cleaner. (b) Completed obturator with sealed holes. (c) Translucency observed against light due to hollow space inside. (d) Obturator in place intraorally
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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