Maxillofacial Prosthodontics

A person may lose some of the tissues or bones of the face due to a variety of reasons including birth defects, diseases such as cancer, or accidents. It is possible to restore these lost issues with the use of prosthetics. To do this, you will have to employ the services of a specialist. These specialists are called maxillofacial prosthodontists.

What is a Prosthodontist?

A prosthodontist is a specialist dentist that has undergone training to deal with the replacement of lost teeth, bones, and surrounding tissues. A prosthodontist is trained to help restore the smile and appearance of patients who have lost facial tissue. This they do through the installation of dentures, crowns, and bridges as well as the diagnosis of oral-related diseases.

What is the difference between a dentist and a prosthodontist?

The major difference between a regular dentist and a prosthodontist is their level of expertise. As prosthodontists are basically dentists that have undergone an additional three or more years of study after becoming dentists, they have more experience dealing with serious dental issues.  To become a prosthodontist, a dentist must undergo a three-year specialist course at an ADA-accredited institution where they are provided with the necessary skills to deal with complicated oral and facial issues that have to do with tooth, tissue, and bone loss.

What is a maxillofacial prosthodontist?

Maxillofacial prosthodontics is a further specialization of prosthodontics and is concerned with the rehabilitation of patients with defects that have led to the loss of tissue in the jaw and face. A lot of maxillofacial prosthodontist processes involve the use of prostheses to fill in the areas where the bone or tissue has been lost in order to restore aesthetic and functional processes. A patient may need to have prostheses installed to protect parts of the face while radiation therapy is carried out. Maxillofacial prosthodontics is meant to restore the confidence and oral functions of patients who have lost facial tissues.

Who needs a maxillofacial prosthodontist?

The services of a maxillofacial prosthodontist are often employed by people who have lost facial tissue due to their involvement in accidents, had facial tissue removed surgically to treat cancer, or born with birth defects that prevented the complete formation of some facial structures.  Maxillofacial prosthodontists generally must create prosthetics for patients to replace lost tissues. Prosthetics created by maxillofacial prosthodontists can be grouped into two major classes.

Extraoral Prostheses

● Ocular Prosthesis: This is used to replace a lost eye. An ocular prosthesis is however only ornamental and does not produce any vision to the patient, leaving them blind on the affected side. Although ocular prostheses are often referred to as glass eyes, they are mostly made of plastic acrylic with only a few being made from cryolite glass.

● Orbital Prosthesis: This is meant to replace the tissue surrounding the eye such as eyebrows, lashes, eyelids, and even parts of the nose and forehead. The prosthesis is made of silicone and is made to resemble the natural skin and its features as closely as possible.

● Auricular Prosthesis: This is a replacement for a lost ear made out of silicone material and designed to resemble natural skin. With advancements in osseointegration, prosthesis can be attached securely and reliably to the body.

● Nasal Prosthesis: Used as a replacement for a lost nose, nasal prosthesis can be of different types with some attached magnetically while others are bound to the facial bones via osseointegration.

● Midfacial Prosthesis: This is used in cases where there are large facial defects and a lot of tissues have to be restored prosthetically.

● Radiation Shield: Also called radiation stents, these are crafted to help protect normal maxillofacial tissue from the effects of radiation treatment in cancer patients.

Intraoral Prostheses

● Surgical Obturator Prosthesis: This is used to restore lost tissue around the palate and alveolar.

● Interim and Definitive Obturator: This is used to support a patient’s facial structures after surgery has been carried out to replace lost tissue until healing is complete.

● Palatal Lift Prosthesis: This is used to solve the problem of palatopharyngeal incompetence in patients which is a condition that can distort speech such that it is difficult to comprehend or even unintelligible.

● Palatal Augmentation (Drop) Prosthesis: This prosthesis is employed to restore a patient’s ability to swallow which could have been affected by negative pressure in the mouth caused by the loss of tongue tissue.

● Mandibular Resection Prosthesis: This is used to restore speech and chewing functions to a patient who has lost part of the lower jaw and teeth.

● Fluoride Carrier: This is developed for patients who receive radiation therapy for cancer in the mouth and neck area. It helps to hold fluoride which limits the decay and sensitivity of the teeth caused by radiation treatment.

Benefits of using a maxillofacial prosthodontist

  1. Prosthodontists undergo special training, making them more qualified to carry out restorative surgeries.
  2. Maxillofacial prosthodontists have even more advanced training than regular prosthodontists.
  3. Prosthodontists are able to design specialized prosthetics for patients with teeth, tissue and bone loss.

Final Thoughts

The American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties, including prosthodontics. At Metropolitan Prosthodontics, we are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of complicated dental and facial disorders involving the restoration or replacement of missing teeth and related structures. Crowns and bridges, dental implant restorations, dentures, and aesthetic dental surgeries are all options.

Prosthodontists are particularly able to examine your dental problems and assist you identify the best treatment options for your specific condition due to their additional 3-4 years of formal training beyond dental school. Other dental specialists may be involved in your treatment, and we use the latest dental technology to give high-quality care in a relaxing setting. We'll also collaborate with your general dentist and other dental professionals to help you keep your new smile for years to come.

Contact us at Metropolitan Prosthodontics, conveniently located in Plymouth, Minnesota. Let our experience help you achieve your oral health goals. Schedule a consultation today!