Maxillofacial Prosthetics— Post-Treatment Dental Reconstruction
Our mission at San Diego Prosthodontics is to offer our patients specialized care that meets their dental and oral healthcare needs. Our staff is uniquely trained to provide excellent care for those with complex cases that require the expertise of dental professionals.
What is maxillofacial prosthetics?
Maxillofacial prosthetics is a specialty of dentistry that provides rehabilitation to those who have been affected by trauma or cancer in their head or neck region. A form of dental reconstruction, maxillofacial prosthetics is done after treatment for illness, trauma, or birth defects. We use prostheses to replace missing areas of their natural anatomy, such as bone or tissue, and to restore oral functions or shield facial structures during radiation therapy.
What to Expect
Dr. Recksiedler, Dr. Pun or Dr. Gulbransen (Retired) work closely with head & neck surgeons, oral surgeons, general dentists, plastic surgeons, neurologists, radiation oncologists, speech pathologists and other specialists to ensure comprehensive care and improve the quality of life of patients who need maxillofacial care. Our doctors have advanced training in maxillofacial prosthodontics after having completed a 3-year residency in post-graduate prosthodontics and 4 years of dental school training.
Patients that Require Prosthetic Care
Many of our patients require maxillofacial prosthetics because they have:
- Been in an accident.
- Had surgical removal of tumors.
- Suffered from a neuromuscular disorder such as ALS.
- Suffered from a stroke.
- Been born without full development of ears, teeth, or palate.
- To undergo radiation therapy.
Our prosthetic prostheses include eyes, nose, ears, obturator and resection prostheses. See below for details on each.
Extraoral Prostheses
Orbital prosthesis—replaces eye
Auricular prosthesis —replaces ear
Nasal prosthesis—replaces nose
Facial prosthesis—replaces part of the face and may involve more than one structure
Intraoral Prostheses
Maxillary obturator prosthesis—recreates the palate after partial or total loss of upper jaw.
Speech aid appliance—helps the hard and soft palate assume correct position for speech.
Mandibular resection appliance—replaces a portion of the lower jaw that has been lost. It also restores the gums and teeth.
Radiation stent—worn during radiation therapy for protection of normal tissue.
Fluoride Trays – helps to decrease risk of cavities (i.e. tooth decay), especially during and after radiation therapy.
If you’ve had treatment for cancer, cleft palate, a facial deformity, or trauma, our goal is to return form and function to you. For more information regarding our maxillofacial prosthetics, call our office at San Diego Office Phone Number 619-463-3773 to schedule a consultation.