An obturator is a prosthesis used to close a congenital or acquired tissue opening, primarily of the hard palate and/or contiguous alveolar structures. Prosthetic restoration of defect often includes use of a surgical obturator, interim obturator & definitive obturator.
An obturator provides a stable matrix for surgical packing, reduces oral contamination, and improves speech as it is effected post-operatively.