Maxillofacial prosthetists have the challenging task of trying to rebuild facial parts and mouth function for people with severe injuries or defects. However, fixing these complex issues can prove problematic along the way.
Major Missing Pieces
Patients often have large pieces of bone, muscle, and skin missing because of cancer surgery, accident trauma, or congenital disabilities around the face or skull. Without this foundation, it is incredibly difficult to attach any prosthetic firmly. Doctors usually must place new bone grafts first so there is enough to support a prosthetic part later.
Scarring and Skin Issues
Surgical sites are typically extremely scarred or have skin grafts inserted after previous procedures address cancer, trauma, or infections. These abnormal tissues lack regular mobility and sensation. Significant limitations in stretching capability also severely restrict prosthetic movement, shaping, and retentions when attempting to adhere to appliances. Additional medical interventions such as scar release, skin resurfacing, or graft optimization may prove necessary to improve underlying beds before definitive maxillofacial prosthetics are fabricated and placed.
Serious Care at Home
Facial prosthetics hooking into the mouth or airway need very diligent daily cleaning by patients. Germs can gather in spaces or cause dangerous infections if appliances are not cared for correctly. Silicone rubber used often also soaks up oils and grime over months and years, so swapping the prosthetic out is expected.
Coping Mentally and Physically
Having a greatly altered face is an immense emotional and functional change for anyone. Counseling helps people accept and come to terms with their new look. People require lots of practice to push through the limits of their physical disability in daily life. Good support teams are invaluable for better overall health.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Our maxillofacial prosthodontists have deep expertise for major facial reconstruction, whether you or your loved one needs rehabilitation of missing eyes, ears, nose, jaws, or other considerable deficits. If undertaking this challenging makeover process, please reach out so we can provide enhanced education and comfort by planning treatment together from the start.
Dental Blog | Wausau, WI | Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry Dr. David Wanserski, DDS, from Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry, has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Learn more. Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry, 550 N. 17th Ave. Wausau, WI 54401 / (715) 848-2435 / wanserskidental.com / 9/7/2024 / Related Phrases: dental implants Wausau WI /
