Management of the maxillary cancer patient--what the general dentist should know.

Background: Maxillary defects are created following surgical treatment of patients with benign and malignant neoplasms, trauma or congenital defects. The size of these defects influences the degree of debilitation.

Case description: This patient lacks the conventional support, stability and retention when fabrication of the prosthesis is planned. The prosthesis that is used to close this palatal defect is called the hollow bulb obturator. CLINICAL OUTCOMES: It improves speech, deglutition, esthetics and function for the patient.