Obturator In Fort Worth, TX

Palatal defects may occur in people as a result of trauma, infection, or surgery. They may affect the palatal bone, the hard palate, the palatal mucosa, or the palatal muscles. In order to ensure the quality of life of the patients who undergo the maxillary surgical treatment, it is important to manage these palatal defects. Prosthodontists play an important role in providing rehabilitation for these patients. The oral rehabilitation of these patients includes prosthetic rehabilitation (removable or fixed), craniofacial surgery, and orthodontic therapy.

Obturator

The management of palatal defects is accomplished using devices like custom-made prostheses, fixed prostheses, prosthetic obturators, and orthognathic surgery. An obturator is a custom-made prosthesis fabricated using metals or acryl and is used to close palatal defects or deficiencies in patients, restore masticatory function, support eating, and improve speech. An obturator prosthesis helps preserve the remaining teeth and gum tissue and offers comfort to the patients while improving the functionality, cosmetics, and aesthetics of the mouth. 

What are obturators used for?

Obturators are proven to be useful in addressing a variety of dental issues, helping patients completely recover all their oral functionalities and abilities. For patients who experience a loss in the palate, an obturator can help regain full oral health. At James Getz, we fabricate precisely-fitting obturators to help our patients restore their palate by filling the voids in the roof of the mouth. Obturators can be helpful in the following situations:

• Post-Surgery: Patients can suffer from a residual orinasal opening on the palate in case of any head and facial surgeries, making it difficult or impossible to speak or eat. Fitting an obturator will fill the gap as the tissue returns during healing. When the tissue starts growing back, the dentist will downsize the device.
• Traumatic Injuries: In the case of accidents, traumatic injuries that cause severe damage to the palate can leave a void in the roof of the mouth. In such situations, an obturator can be helpful. 
• Cleft Palate: Cleft palate is a condition where the two plates of the skull that form the hard palate do not fully join together. This can leave a void or gap in the roof of the mouth. By placing an obturator, this gap can be closed till it is surgically fixed. 

Types of palatal obturators

Different types of obturators are available to treat the different problems faced by patients. The most common among them include:

• Palatal Plate: This device enhances speech and feeding in patients with a void in their palate.
• Modification Obturator: This obturator is used to block, seal, and separate the oral and nasal cavities.
• Definitive Obturator: A definitive obturator is suitable for patients with no other rehabilitative options and who need to wear a device long-term.
• Nance Obturator: A nance obturator is used in patients after a surgical closing. 

To learn more about our dental services or schedule an appointment with us, call dentist Fort Worth TX at (817) 924-6211 or visit our dental office located at 2469 Forest Park Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76110.