s10. - Acquired Palatal Defects

Question 2

What are acquired palatal defects?

Answer 2

Acquired palatal defects are defects of the palate resulting from surgery, trauma, tumors, or congenital issues that arise after birth.

Question 3

Why are removable dentures used for acquired palatal defects?

Answer 3

They restore aesthetics, speech, mastication, and provide psychological comfort to patients with palatal defects.

Question 4

What are the primary causes of acquired palatal defects?

Answer 4

Surgical excision of tumors, trauma, radiation therapy, and infections.

Question 5

How do palatal defects affect speech?

Answer 5

They disrupt airflow during speech, causing hypernasality and articulation difficulties.

Question 6

Name two key functions of prosthetic rehabilitation for palatal defects.

Answer 6

Restoring separation between the nasal and oral cavities and improving speech and swallowing.

Question 7

What is a palatal obturator?

Answer 7

A prosthetic device designed to close a palatal defect, improving function and aesthetics.

Question 8

How does a palatal obturator help patients with palatal defects?

Answer 8

• It seals the defect,
• aids in speech production,
• prevents nasal regurgitation,
• and facilitates swallowing.

Question 9

What is the role of a speech pathologist in managing palatal defects?

Answer 9

To assess speech issues and provide therapy alongside prosthetic rehabilitation.

Question 10

What are the classifications of palatal defects based on extent?

Answer 10

Partial, subtotal, and total palatal defects.

Question 11

How does the extent of a defect influence prosthetic design?

Answer 11

Larger defects require more complex designs for effective function and retention.

Question 12

What materials are commonly used in constructing palatal obturators?

Answer 12

Acrylic resin, cobalt-chromium alloys, silicone, and thermoplastic materials.

Question 13

Why is patient education crucial in the management of palatal defects?

Answer 13

Patients need to understand maintenance, speech therapy, and care for long-term success.

Question 14

What are the considerations in the retention of obturators?

Answer 14

Retention depends on the defect’s size, remaining dentition, and undercut areas.

Question 15

How do palatal defects affect mastication?

Answer 15

They disrupt the separation between oral and nasal cavities, making chewing and swallowing difficult.

Question 16

Describe the psychological impact of palatal defects on patients.

Answer 16

Patients often experience low self-esteem, depression, and social anxiety due to speech issues and altered appearance.

Question 17

What is the role of maxillofacial surgeons in treating acquired palatal defects?

Answer 17

They perform reconstructive surgery and collaborate in planning prosthetic rehabilitation.

Question 18

How do you assess the success of a palatal obturator?

Answer 18

Based on improved speech, mastication, esthetics, and patient’s satisfaction.

Question 19

What is the role of a dentist in managing palatal defects?

Answer 19

Diagnosis, treatment planning, and fabrication of suitable prosthetic devices.

Question 20

Why is impression making challenging in patients with palatal defects?

Answer 20

Due to irregular tissue contours, scar tissue, and limited access.

Question 21

What modifications can be made to impressions for patients with palatal defects?

Answer 21

Use of sectional impressions, flexible impression materials, and custom trays.

Question 22

What are the complications associated with untreated acquired palatal defects?

Answer 22

Speech disorders, swallowing difficulties, chronic infections, and compromised nutrition.

Question 23

What is a definitive obturator?

Answer 23

A final prosthetic device fabricated after complete healing of the defect.

Question 24

What is an interim obturator?

Answer 24

A temporary prosthesis used during the healing phase post-surgery.

Question 25

How do radiation therapies impact prosthetic rehabilitation?

Answer 25

They may cause xerostomia, mucositis, and bone necrosis, complicating prosthetic fitting.

Question 26

What are the indications for a palatal obturator?

Answer 26

Post-surgical defects, trauma, congenital clefts, and radiation-induced tissue loss.

Question 27

What is the role of an adjustable clasp in obturator retention?

Answer 27

It helps retain the prosthesis by engaging remaining teeth or undercuts, enhancing stability.

Question 28

Why might a patient with a palatal defect have compromised oral hygiene?

Answer 28

Difficulty accessing the defect area, altered anatomy, and challenges with prosthesis maintenance.

Question 29

What factors influence the design of a palatal obturator?

Answer 29

Defect size, shape, location, patient’s oral health, and remaining dentition.

Question 30

How can the stability of a palatal obturator be improved?

Answer 30

By incorporating undercuts, precise fit, and appropriate clasping mechanisms.

Question 31

What is the importance of follow-up visits for patients with palatal obturators?

Answer 31

Monitoring for tissue changes, adjusting fit, and ensuring functionality.

Question 32

What is the significance of vestibular extensions in obturators?

Answer 32

They provide additional retention and stability by extending into the vestibular folds.

Question 33

What are some complications associated with poorly fitting palatal obturators?

Answer 33

Ulceration, discomfort, impaired function, and difficulty in speaking and swallowing.

Question 34

How does a palatal obturator aid in preventing nasal regurgitation?

Answer 34

It effectively seals the defect, preventing food and liquid from entering the nasal cavity.

Question 35

What psychological considerations should be addressed in patients with palatal defects?

Answer 35

Addressing concerns about self-image, social interactions, and emotional well-being.

Question 36

What are the objectives of prosthetic rehabilitation for acquired palatal defects?

Answer 36

Restoring function, speech, aesthetics, and patient confidence.

Question 37

How is a hollow bulb obturator designed?

Answer 37

The bulb portion is made hollow to reduce weight while maximizing volume to seal the defect.

Question 38

Why might a patient with a palatal defect experience hypernasal speech?

Answer 38

Due to air escape through the defect, disrupting normal speech resonance.

Question 39

What is the difference between a surgical obturator and a definitive obturator?

Answer 39

A surgical obturator is used immediately post-surgery, while a definitive obturator is used after healing.

Question 40

What are the key factors in determining the material choice for a palatal obturator?

Answer 40

Biocompatibility, weight, rigidity, and ease of modification.

Question 41

How does a palatal obturator contribute to social rehabilitation?

Answer 41

It restores speech and aesthetics, improving confidence and social interactions.

Question 42

Why is a multidisciplinary approach important in treating palatal defects?

Answer 42

Collaboration between dentists, surgeons, speech therapists, and psychologists enhances treatment outcomes.

Question 43

How do scar tissues affect the fit and retention of obturators?

Answer 43

They alter tissue contours, reduce undercuts, and may limit prosthesis adaptation.

Question 44

What modifications can be made to an obturator for a patient with severe xerostomia?

Answer 44

Use of saliva substitutes, moisture-retentive materials, and supportive oral hygiene measures.

Question 45

How do you address speech issues in patients with obturators?

Answer 45

Speech therapy, proper obturator design, and adjustments to improve airflow and articulation.

Question 46

Why is patient compliance crucial in managing acquired palatal defects?

Answer 46

Regular follow-ups, maintaining hygiene, and proper use of the prosthesis are essential for success.

Question 47

What are the advantages of digital scanning in fabricating palatal obturators?

Answer 47

Improved precision, better fit, faster production, and patient comfort.

Question 48

How can functional impression techniques benefit obturator fabrication?

Answer 48

They capture functional borders, enhancing fit, retention, and comfort.

Question 49

What challenges are faced in pediatric patients with acquired palatal defects?

Answer 49

Growth considerations, psychological impact, and the need for frequent adjustments.

Question 50

How can prosthetic rehabilitation for palatal defects improve overall quality of life?

Answer 50

By restoring normal speech, aesthetics, function, and reducing psychological distress.