Palatal obturator

What is a palatal obturator?

A palatal obturator is used when patients have a narrow upper jaw and cannot support a full set of upper teeth. The palatal obturator makes contact with the tongue and the palate, thereby supporting the denture and preventing it from moving or falling out of position.

Who is a good candidate for a palatal obturator?

A palatal obturator is a great prosthetic option for patients who want a lifelike, lingual-contoured, and minimally-invasive solution for edentulism. This prosthetic is also ideal for patients who are unable to wear conventional dentures and who do not want implant-retained prosthetics. Dr. [doctor’s name], a dentist at [practice name], can determine if palatal obturators are right for you during a personal consultation.

What does the procedure involve?

1. The initial step involves making a mold of the patient’s teeth. The mold is then sent to a lab where the palatal obturator will be made.

2. Once the obturator is made, the patient returns to the dental office. The obturator is put in place and the patient is carefully monitored to ensure that there are no complications.

3. The obturator is fitted and the patient’s jaw is carefully monitored over the next several weeks and months.

4. Once the jaw has completely healed, the patient returns to the dental office to have the full prosthetic device bonded in place.

5. The patient then returns for several follow-up appointments during which they return to have the obturator replaced.

What are the benefits of a palatal obturator?

A palatal obturator is a custom-made plastic tray made to perfectly fit your mouth. It keeps your molars from touching, which protects them from chips, fractures and decay. When you bite down, the palatal obturator also prevents clenching and grinding, which puts severe stress on your jaw and can cause jaw pain.

What are the risks and potential complications?

Risks and complications associated with palatal obturator include:

Infection

Discomfort

Damage to the tissues or teeth

Speech difficulty

Infections can occur when bacteria enter the body through the gum tissue, and cause inflammation.

Because the obturator is so close to the actual tongue, any discomfort or pain caused by chewing can cause mild to severe speech issues, especially when eating or speaking.

How long will the obtur

The palatal obturator is a removable prosthesis that serves as a “trap door” for the missing maxillary lateral incisor. It not only fills the space but also prevents the adjacent tooth from moving forward or shifting into the space. This provides support for the surrounding teeth and gums, preventing uneven bite alignment and jaw pain.