Prosthodontic Information for Patients Receiving Maxillary (Upper Jaw) Surgery

We assist in creating an acrylic surgical obturator (“cover plate”) for maxillary surgery. This device:

• Covers the surgical wound to support the dressing and prevent fluids from entering nasal or sinus areas.
• Can be retained by remaining upper teeth using wire clasps after the first 2–3 weeks.
• Is initially held in place by a special screw in the palate.
• Leads to a definitive obturator later, possibly requiring crowns or dental implants for retention.

The definitive obturator is thinner, stronger, and less bulky than the initial surgical appliance, allowing for better comfort and function during healing.

Our front office will collect your personal and insurance information. Please have the following ready:

• Name of your general dentist and any dental specialists (e.g., oral surgeons).
• Radiographic images of your teeth, if available.
• Scheduled date of your jaw surgery and any relevant medical or pathology reports.

Fees for the first visit will be provided during this call.

During your first visit:

• Review of medical history, dental examination, and radiographs.
• Impressions of upper and lower jaws and clinical photographs.
• Pick up your surgical cover plate a day before surgery to take with you to the procedure.

After surgery, your surgeon may prescribe a chlorhexidine oral rinse. Maintain brushing and flossing of lower teeth and brush outer surfaces of upper teeth as soon as it is comfortable.

When the screw retention is released:

• Bring your surgical obturator for adjustments and material addition for self-retention.
• The obturator functions like a removable partial denture, with minor movement during speaking and eating.
• Eat primarily on the non-surgical side; your body will adapt automatically.
• Learn to remove and replace the obturator, using a mirror initially if needed.
• Resume brushing and flossing of upper teeth with the appliance out. Clean the obturator after every meal, brushing gently with soap or gel toothpaste, rinsing thoroughly. Leave out at night for tissue healing.

During healing:

• Call for adjustments if the obturator causes discomfort or sores; adjustments are included in your appliance fee.
• A new upper impression and clinical photographs will be taken to document anatomy for the definitive obturator.
• Definitive obturator construction begins based on your surgeon’s guidance, considering any radiotherapy. Minimum timeline: 8 weeks and 6 visits, plus postoperative adjustment.

We aim to assist with medical insurance coverage but are not a Medicare provider. Please bring all medical and dental insurance details to your first visit. Payment for your first visit and surgical obturator is required; we will file for reimbursement. In cases of financial hardship, monthly payment plans are available.