RETENTION IN MANDIBULAR OBTURATORS

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Abstract

Objective: To provide various means of retention in fabrication of mandibular
obturators for patients visited Hamdard University Dental Hospital, Karachi. Study Design: It was
a descriptive type of study. Place and Duration of study: The study was carried out at Hamdard
University Dental Hospital, Karachi. Total duration of this study was two years. Materials and
Methods: Nine patients were selected by purposive non-probability sampling technique. After
taking consent, self designed Proforma was filled. Age ranged from 13-72 years. Six of them were
males and three females. One of them was already using obturator. With the help of obtained
information, various means of retention in maxillary obturator were provided. Results: Interim
Obturators were fabricated for six patients while definitive obturators were fabricated for three
patients. In eight patients conventional means of retention were employed while implant
supported obturator was provided for one patient. Seven patients were satisfied with the
performance of obturator. In one patient sectional tray was used for impression while in one
patient artificial teeth were arranged by neutral zone technique. Regular follow up was carried out
till one year. Conclusions: Utilization of various means of retention brings better compliance in
mandibular defect patients provided with obturators.