Maxillofacial ProsthodonticsHouston, TX

What is an Intraoral Maxillofacial Prosthodontist?

If someone has dentures, they may have worked with a prosthodontist. Maxillofacial prosthodontics is an offshoot of this branch of dentistry with a different focus. Maxillofacial prosthetics integrates multiple disciplines but deals with congenital or acquired defects of the head and neck. Our practice focuses on intraoral maxillofacial prosthetics involving the jaw, gums, teeth, tongue, soft palate, and other interior structures of the mouth. If someone has a defect or disability in this area that interferes with their life, whether they were born with it or acquired it through disease or trauma, an intraoral maxillofacial prosthodontist is who they should turn to for help. Part of the process may involve working as a team with other dental professionals, such as oral surgeons or plastic surgeons, to improve the quality of life for the patient.

How do Maxillofacial Prosthodontists Treat Patients

These specialists design prostheses for the patient before instructing them on proper use and care. According to The American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, intraoral prostheses include:

• Interim and Definitive Obturator: Covers the palate after total loss of maxilla or due to cleft palate; teeth and gums are restored and has an extension that closes the defect/hole while the patient is swallowing, eating, chewing and speaking.
• Fluoride Carrier: A tray for patients with dry mouth from medication, radiation, or medical conditions; it protects compromised teeth
• Mandibular Resection Prosthesis: Restore teeth, gums, and a portion of a jaw that has been lost
• Palatal Augmentation (Drop) Prosthesis: Alters the palate to correct speech
• Palatal Lift Prosthesis: Gets the soft palate in the correct position for speech
• Surgical Obturator Prosthesis: For after surgery to provide closure, while also covering the palate after partial or total loss of the upper jaw

These are just a few of the tools intraoral maxillofacial prosthodontics use to improve the quality of patients’ lives.

Frequently Asked Questions About maxillofacial prosthodontist

What happens at the first appointment?

The first appointment is the consultation. At this appointment, the prosthodontist does an initial assessment of the patient’s condition and goes over the treatment options with them. The patient should ask any questions they have about their condition and the treatment options.

Does insurance cover this work?

Medical necessity can usually be the deciding factor of what insurance covers. We can go over possible treatment options with the patient during a consultation, but the patient will need to reach out to their insurance provider for more information.

Will the process be painful?

The answer can depend on how many procedures are involved in the case. Our team will do everything in our power to help prevent any pain during visits to our practice. The diagnostic scanning we use to design the prosthesis is never painful. There may be a little discomfort as the patient learns to insert their new prosthesis. The adjustment period may cause minor pain or lifestyle changes as the patient learns to cope with the prosthesis. However, we will be there to help the patient every step of the way.

What other specialists do Maxillofacial Prosthodontists work with?

In a situation like an auto accident where part of the jaw is missing, there is likely damage to the outside of the face. The doctors may choose to handle the facial injuries first and then move on to the maxillofacial prosthodontist to repair the jaw. Some of the work may be done at the same time. Some cases may require oral surgery first. Each case is different.

What is the cost of intraoral maxillofacial prosthetics?

This question is almost as difficult to answer as what insurance will cover. The price of a procedure varies per case, patient, and condition. If insurance is not an option, some practitioners work out manageable payment plans. We can go over more options in detail during a consultation.

What is the goal of intraoral maxillofacial prosthetics?

The goal of our treatment is to treat various maxillofacial issues that are hindering the patient’s quality of life, most commonly including speaking and swallowing without difficulty. These are congenital defects and injuries no one should have to endure. Our practice utilizes top-of-the-line technology to help ensure our treatment meets the patient’s needs.