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Case Reports
. 2025 May 11;17(5):e83881.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.83881. eCollection 2025 May.

Prosthetic Rehabilitation of a Post-mucormycosis Maxillectomy Defect Using a Maxillary Hollow Obturator and Complete Denture: A Case Report

Shubham K Srivastava  1 , Shitij Srivastava  1 , Abhinav Shekhar  1 , Debajyoti Sarkar  1 , Abhishek Singh  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Prosthetic Rehabilitation of a Post-mucormycosis Maxillectomy Defect Using a Maxillary Hollow Obturator and Complete Denture: A Case Report

Shubham K Srivastava et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Mucormycosis is an opportunistic fungal infection that severely impacts immunocompromised patients. Invasive mucormycosis tends to require surgical procedures like maxillectomy, leading to a complex oro-nasal communication and a severe compromise of oral function, speech, and esthetics. The following case report describes the prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient after maxillectomy post-mucormycosis. A maxillary complete denture with a closed hollow bulb obturator was constructed to restore oral function, facilitate speech, and improve facial esthetics. The impression-making technique was meticulously altered to obtain a precise recording of the defect, and a new flasking technique was used during processing to create a lightweight yet retentive prosthesis. Thermocol was strategically utilized to hollow the obturator and alveolar ridge segments, thereby reducing the weight while preserving structural support. Soft relining with Molloplast B (Detax GmbH & Co. KG, Ettlingen, Germany) was performed to enhance mucosal adaptation as well as patient comfort. After-insertion assessment indicated optimal fit, retention, and patient satisfaction, with marked improvement in speech and mastication. Follow-up at regular intervals showed maintained function and comfort, underlining the critical role of prosthodontic rehabilitation in the interdisciplinary management of post-mucormycosis maxillary defects.

Keywords: complete denture; maxillofacial prosthesis; mucormycosis; palatal obturator; quality of life.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Intraoral photographs
A: Maxillary arch demonstrating postoperative healing following maxillectomy; B: Mandibular arch showing multiple grossly decayed teeth with extensive carious destruction
Figure 2
Figure 2. Ill-fitting complete denture
A: Cameo-surface; B: Intaglio-surface
Figure 3
Figure 3. Primary impression and cast
A: Primary impression done using monophase impression material; B: The primary cast was obtained using die stone (type IV), and the base was prepared using dental stone (type III)
Figure 4
Figure 4. Custom tray and final impression
A: Fabrication of a custom tray with multiple holes; B: Final impression using monophase impression material
Figure 5
Figure 5. Master cast
Figure 6
Figure 6. Jaw relation registration
Vertical dimension and centric relation recorded by using occlusal rims.
Figure 7
Figure 7. Try-in stage
Figure 8
Figure 8. Maxillary complete denture with hollow bulb obturator: ex situ
A: Finished complete denture; B: Complete denture with soft relining material
Figure 9
Figure 9. Maxillary complete denture with hollow bulb obturator: in situ
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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