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Palatal obturator
Has anyone had a palatal obturator and does it help with speech and ability to swallow liquids?
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Has anyone had a palatal obturator and does it help with speech and ability to swallow liquids?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Head & Neck Cancer Support Group.
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I had one fitted to upper roof of mouth a few years back, after speech and swallowing sets in mid 2020 - fitted by one of the dentist in PMCC where I had my nasopharyngeal cancer treatment in 2006.
I find it pretty uncomfortable, and not able to swallow or drink - food gets stuck in between - not to mention the impact on my dental (with dental implants, and root canal). But then, my obturator was a hard one - believe there is a softer version. I had checked with dentist if a softer version will be better and of help -- he advised that he has not had many positive response to the palatal obturator.
This being the case - I decided to opt out of this. This is my view and from my dental care in PMCC - but, if need be - you might want to give it a try with your care team.
Good luck !!
@josk Thank you very much for this. They mention it is a lot of help (husband just had surgery on 3/23 and will have to wait I think about 3 - 6 months to have one fitted). I also have my doubts about how much it can help but will definitely need to try it out. Thank you again and good luck as well!