The influence of obturators on the respiration of patients with maxillary defects: a clinical study.

ABSTRACT: The study evaluated the effects of obturators on respiratory function by analyzing the changes in nasal anatomic structures and physiologic function in maxillectomy patients with and without obturators. Twenty-six patients who underwent maxillectomy were chosen and rehabilitated with obturators by a single maxillofacial prosthodontist. The geometric shape of the nasal cavity, the nasal airway resistance, and the ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity (RV/TLC) were evaluated using acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry, and a pulmonary function test apparatus, respectively. All patients were tested twice, with and without their obturators. The results were statistically analyzed with a paired t-test. The nasal cavities (0-7 cm to the anterior nostril) of the patients with obturators h

SUBMITTER: Dong X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4444186 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature