Rehabilitation after maxillectomy in patients with implant-retained obturator: A preliminary report

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of implant-retained obturator rehabilitation after maxillectomy, based on quality of life (QOL) and masticatory function. Study Design. The present study included 12 patients who underwent dental implant surgery after maxillectomy. Oral health-related QOL and masticatory function before and after completion of implant-retained obturator rehabilitation were evaluated. Results. Oral Health Impact Profile-Short Form (OHIP-14) scores showed significant differences in the domain for functional limitation (before, 4.08 +/- 2.47; after, 1.33 +/- 0.98; P < .01); physical pain (before, 2.75 +/- 2.05; after, 0.42 +/- 0.51; P < .01); physical disability (before, 3.24 +/- 2.11; after, 1.33 +/- 1.30; P < .01), psychological disability (before, 3.83 +/- 2.48; after, 1.67 +/- 2.50; P < .01); social disability (before, 2.17 +/- 1.75; after, 1.08 +/- 1.38; P < .05); handicap (before, 3.17 +/- 1.90; after, 1.08 +/- 1.00; P < .01); and total score (before, 22.41 +/- 10.17; after, 8.83 +/- 6.82; P < .01) Furthermore, masticatory function score was significantly higher after completing implant-retained obturator rehabilitation (before, 38.75 +/- 22.97; after, 69.17 +/- 21.41; P < .01). Conclusions. Implant-retained obturator rehabilitation contributed to improved masticatory function and oral health-related QOL after maxillectomy.