Maxillofacial Prosthetics
The maxillofacial area (which refers to the head, face and jaw) is the primary physical attribute that creates lasting impressions. For this reason, when this area has defects, such as result from cancer surgery, tumors, birth defects or trauma from injuries, prosthodontists may recommend maxillofacial prosthetics to correct major problems.
Prostheses are made of artificial materials. Prosthetic eyes, ears and noses can be developed to replace facial defects. Along with correcting aesthetic and cosmetic concerns, special devices can help patients who are having trouble swallowing or speaking coherently. In addition, for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, repairing damaged facial tissues can aid in greater comfort, health and well being.
Maxillofacial prosthetic treatment may, in certain circumstances, offer an alternative to reconstructive surgery or plastic surgery. For patients who are in poor health or who have a very large defect or trauma, or in cases where patients are of advanced age, maxillofacial prosthetic treatment may be, in fact, the better option, especially when radiation therapy is being undergone, bones have been damaged or living tissue is not viable to be replaced. This is true for many reasons. First, surgery requires many steps and may, in a weakened individual, create additional trauma. Secondly, some defects are merely temporary, and unlike surgery, prosthetic treatment does not have to have permanent effects. Finally, maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation often requires decreased hospital stays, compared to cosmetic surgeries.
