An alternative procedure for fabricating a hollow interim obturator for a partial maxillectomy patient.

A technique is described for fabricating an interim obturator for a partial maxillectomy patient. This technique enables the immediate and easy chairside fabrication of a lightweight hollow-type interim obturator when a preoperative cast is not available. After a master cast is formed, two duplicate casts are made from the master cast. One portion of the obturator is fabricated on a duplicate cast with a corrected defect, and the other portion of the prosthetic base is made on the second duplicate cast with a corrected alveolar ridge. These two portions are connected and adjusted in the patient's oral cavity. This technique is beneficial because it helps patients maintain good esthetics and their ability to speak, swallow, and chew just after surgery.