Longevity of terminal abutment teeth retaining maxillary obturator prostheses Journal Article


Authors: Chandy, T.; Singh, A.; Mishra Meza, A.; Riedel, E.; Huryn, J. M.; Randazzo, J. D.
Article Title: Longevity of terminal abutment teeth retaining maxillary obturator prostheses
Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the longevity of terminal abutment teeth retaining maxillary obturator prostheses. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent maxillectomy followed by delivery of definitive obturator prostheses between 1994 and 2020. Details on patient demographics, primary tumor, and radiation therapy were collected. The tooth closest to the defect was identified as the terminal abutment, and information such as tooth type, condition of tooth at the time of maxillectomy, Aramany classification, and cause of abutment loss were noted from the dental charts. Survival time of the terminal abutment tooth was calculated from the date of maxillectomy to the last dental follow-up visit or the date of abutment loss. Univariate analyses were performed to test for the association between survival time and each of the four covariates. Results: In the 26-year study period, 148 teeth in 130 patients met the inclusion criteria. Ninety-eight (66.2%) terminal abutment teeth survived, and 50 (33.8%) were lost. Squamous cell carcinoma was the leading tumor diagnosis (51%). Aramany Class II was the most predominant arch configuration (51%). The majority of the terminal abutment teeth were maxillary incisors (43%). The chief cause of terminal abutment loss was bone loss and mobility (46%). The 10-year survival probability was 65%. Radiation therapy did not statistically contribute to terminal abutment loss. Terminal abutment teeth with dental treatment showed higher failure than those without any prior treatment or dental disease. Conclusion: Clinicians must be aware of the various factors affecting the survival of terminal abutment teeth which can ultimately affect the success of the maxillary obturator prostheses. © 2025 by the American College of Prosthodontists.
Keywords: longevity; maxillectomy; abutment; obturator
Journal Title: Journal of Prosthodontics - Implant Esthetic and Reconstructive Dentistry
Volume: 34
Issue: 7
ISSN: 1059-941X
Publisher: Wiley Blackwell  
Publication status: Published
Date Published: 2025-08-01
Online Publication Date: 2025-02-13
Start Page: 757
End Page: 763
Language: English
DOI: 10.1111/jopr.14026
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 39948686
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- MSK Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) acknowledged in PubMed and PDF -- MSK corresponding author is Joseph Randazzo -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Joseph M Huryn
    112 Huryn
  2. Akriti Mishra
    27 Mishra
  3. Annu Singh
    28 Singh
  4. Tintu Sara Chandy
    2 Chandy