Prosthetic rehabilitation of acquired maxillary defect secondary to post COVID mucormycosis using cast partial hollow bulb obturator : Clinical case report

Abstract

Rehabilitation of acquired maxillofacial defect secondary to post COVID mucormycosis to an acceptable functional usage is challenging. This case report focuses on the prosthetic restoration of a patient who has experienced mucormycosis and subsequently underwent a partial maxillectomy, resulting in a palatal defect. This surgical procedure led to the development of oroantral or oral-nasal communication as a postoperative complication. Patient was diagnosed with mucormycosis after a week or two, following recovery from COVID-19. The patient underwent surgery for the same which resulted in palatal defects in left side. After surgery patient was partially edentulous. Initially an interim hollow bulb obturator was delivered to the patient which was timely adjusted. Following this, the creation of the final prosthesis involved a process that included casting a partial denture and applying specialized techniques to create a hollowed bulb, with careful attention to the planning, molding, installation, and adjustment phases of the prosthesis. After the prosthesis was fitted, there was a noticeable enhancement in the patient's speech and ability to chew. This clinical case details the prosthetic treatment for a maxillary defect resulting from mucormycosis. Rehabilitation of such defects aids patient in their day to day life activities and boosts’ their confidence to socialize.