Maxillofacial Prosthodontics Torrance

Maxillofacial prosthodontics involves the rehabilitation of patients with defects or disabilities in the mouth, face, head, or neck that were present at birth or developed due to disease or trauma. It includes a combination of medically necessary prostheses and restorative procedures to improve quality of life and restore orofacial function.

It falls under the scope of prosthodontics but involves training and experience in additional clinical skills as well as the ability to work with a diverse team of multispecialty oncologists, surgeons, speech pathologists, radiologists, social workers, and more.

The most common patients who benefit from care by a maxillofacial prosthodontist are people with craniofacial defects and head and neck cancer survivors.

Head and neck cancers account for about 70,000 new cases each year. Nearly 90% of malignant head and neck cancers result in some degree of facial disfigurement and/or compromised oral function. Many of these cancer cases are related to the human papillomavirus (HPV), which affects a much younger population. This means that there are many younger cancer survivors who live with long-term morbidities caused by surgical treatment, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Most patients with craniofacial defects struggle daily with essential life functions including swallowing, speech, and chewing. They may also have significant self-esteem and body image issues.

Whether present at birth or caused by cancer or development defects, these conditions affect a person’s identity as well as their ability to function independently. These defects and injuries cause significant psychological trauma. Among head and neck cancer survivors, for example, people report psychologically destructive stigma, depression, reduced social functioning, and one of the highest suicide rates among cancer patients.

Maxillofacial prosthodontics can help people live independent and healthy lives.

Prostheses can help manage these conditions, often helping to prevent significant damage to the mouth and face. We can help you avoid complications and enjoy a better life, even if necessary treatments have serious side effects.

If you or your patient need a maxillofacial prosthesis not listed here, we invite you to contact us to ask. The odds are good that we can help you.

South Bay Prosthodontics is a well-established specialist practice. We have built our practice on offering outstanding results and service to both doctors and patients. We are equipped to handle numerous types of maxillofacial prosthodontic challenges. Plus, we understand the critical emotional and psychosocial importance of these prostheses.

In addition to the talent, tools, and experience in our office, we have connections to other local practices that can supply us with additional talent, including general dentistry, periodontal, and dental implant expertise. We have the ability to coordinate the entire dental side of a patient’s care or perform a limited maxillofacial prosthodontic role, depending on what you need from us.

Whether you are a patient or a physician looking for a maxillofacial prosthodontics practice in the Los Angeles area, South Bay Prosthodontics can help.

Please call (310) 378-9261 or use our online form to contact our dental office in Torrance, CA.