Hemimaxillectomy defect reconstruction with a maxillary obturator prosthesis using a 3D-model stereolithography: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Complete or partial resection of the maxilla during tumor surgery causes oronasal defects, leading to oral–maxillofacial dysfunction, for which the obturator prosthesis is an important treatment option. Traditional manufacturing of obturators involves great complexity, often results in impaired function and fit, and is time-consuming. This paper presents a case of using 3D stereolithography as a guide design for defect reconstruction with a maxillary obturator prosthesis. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 14-year-old girl who presented with facial deformities followed by swelling and pain that reached the orbit floor on the left side of her face. A non-contrast head magnetic resonance imaging scan showed a mass in the left maxilla that extended from the buccal mandible to the left side of the oral cavity. An incisional biopsy indicated that the mass was an ameloblastic fibroma. The entire tumor was treated with a hemi-maxillectomy and reconstruction using an obturator. No further complaints or recurrence signs were evident after six months. DISCUSSION: Treatment options for ameloblastoma include enucleation and excision. Due to the severity of the lesion in our case, the entire maxilla had to be removed with the tumor, using a hemimaxillectomy with the assistance of a 3D-printed model, and an obturator was used for reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Ameloblastoma is a tumor with a high risk of recurrence. This case underwent a complete hemi-maxillectomy with simultaneous repair using a 3D-printed obturator, with satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcomes.