Arthur O. Rahn

Prosthodontic principles in the framework design of maxillary obturator prostheses

The Aramany classification system of postsurgical maxillectomy defects is a useful tool for teaching and developing obturator framework designs and enhancing communication among prosthodontists. This article describes a series of Aramany-obturator design templates and discusses the relevant considerations for each. In all situations, a quadrilateral or tripodal design is favored over a linear design because this allows a more favorable leverage design application that will aid in the support, stabilization, and retention of the prosthesis.

Prosthodontic principles in surgical planning for maxillary and mandibular resection patients

Discussion between the surgeon and prosthodontist on surgical planning is important. It is necessary that they each be aware of the others problems. Only in this way can continuity be established between surgical and prosthetic procedures. This will provide a maximum level of treatment for the maxillofacial patients, thereby returning them to society most expeditiously.

Movement of abutments by removable partial denture frameworks with a hemimaxillectomy obturator.

A laboratory experiment was conducted to measure the amount of movement in each of two directions on each of seven teeth, induced by three common designs of retainer, under both splinted and unsplinted conditions. An analysis of variance on a four-way, completely crossed, fixed-effects model showed significant main effects for design, splintedness, and teeth involved. Also of significance were the interactions between the factors of splintedness and teeth and between design and splintedness. Most of the variability in tooth movement was due to differences among the seven teeth (49.3 per cent of variance) and to the interaction of splintedness and teeth (20.2 per cent of variance).

A temporary prosthesis for an edentulous patient following a maxillary resection

Abstract The primary advantages of using a hollow silicone bulb obturator on the temporary restoration are: (1) it permits the placement of the pliable bulb into greater undercut areas of the defect, thus providing better mechanical retention and seal for the obturator; and (2) the inherent rubber-like qualities of the material tend to resist sliding and skidding of the restoration.

Simplified technique for the fabrication of a hollow obturator prosthesis using vinyl polysiloxane

A technique in the fabrication of a heat-cured acrylic resin transitional maxillary obturator using vinyl polysiloxane putty instead of wax is demonstrated. The putty allows a decrease in the time of fabrication in both the pattern and the processing stage of the prosthesis.

Modification of immediate denture sectional impression technique using vinyl polysiloxane.

The labial sectional impression technique in the maxillary immediate denture can be done in many different materials with varied results. The use of vinyl polysiloxane putty for this impression technique is demonstrated and shows the superior results both in the ease of use and the detail of the impression surface.

Maxillofacial prosthetic principles in the surgical planning for facial defects

In many localities, particularly in larger medical centers, presurgical communication and planning is increasing because the prosthodontist is becoming a more active member of the oncology, trauma, and cleft palate teams. Individuals involved both directly or indirectly in maxillofacial prosthetic therapy should be cognizant of the situations and solutions discussed in this article. In this way the prosthodontist and surgeon will be able to provide a better consultancy and rehabilitation service for their patients.

Using vinyl polysiloxane in the altered cast procedure for speech-aid prostheses

With the use of vinyl polysiloxane during fabrication of the altered cast, a complete speech aid prosthesis may be tried in at the wax stage without prior processing. Laboratory time is saved when double processing is avoided.

Using a tooth-reduction guide for modifying natural teeth.

A simplified method of transferring diagnostic odontoplastic information from the cast to the patient is described. This technique can be used successfully when treating fixed, removable, or combination prosthodontics patients.

Surgical modification of the hyperplastic anterior maxillary ridge

H yperplastic tissue that replaces the bone of the residual alveolar ridge is incompatible with the demand for healthy, denture-supporting tissues (Figs 1 and 2>.1,* Its presence, particularly in the anterior part of the edentulous maxillae, usually necessitates surgical excision.3-6 The surgical intervention may be accompanied by a vestibulopiasty, which may also involve a grafting procedure. Injections of Silastic (Dow Corning, Midland, Mich.) or sclerosing solutions have also have proposed.7-9 The objectives of most reported techniques include (1) firm, healthy denture-supporting tissues, (2) maintenance or acquisition of maximum vestibular depth, and (3) avoidance of scars at the depth of the vestibule that might undermine the development of a denture’s correct peripheral seal. The objective of this report is to describe a surgical technique that we have used over the last 3 years in an effort to fulfill these objectives.