Abstract
Surgical obturators play a crucial role in the comprehensive rehabilitation of oncologic patients who experience maxillary defects following surgical intervention. This narrative review explores the significance of surgical obturators in facilitating recovery, detailing their design considerations and functional necessities. Surgical obturators serve as immediate post-operative aids, providing essential support for speech articulation, swallowing and mastication while promoting tissue healing. The design process meticulously considers anatomical fit, speech intelligibility, masticatory efficiency, and patient comfort to enhance overall rehabilitation outcomes. Moreover, this review addresses contemporary challenges in obturator design, including microbial buildup and the weight of the prosthesis, proposing novel solutions to enhance usability. The development and application of various types of surgical obturators – conventional, hybrid, and implant-supported – are analyzed, clarifying their diverse roles in the long-term management of patients. By synthesizing current knowledge and advancements in this field, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the critical importance of surgical obturators in the recovery journey of oncologic patients.