In the 21st century, the art and science of dentistry goes far beyond the basic root canal. Today, maxillofacial and dental disorders, that typically would go untreated, have now found treatment and the use of implants and prosthetics have come to the forefront to provide both functional and psychological relief.
When Clinica Arango Orillac was established back in 1935, its founders considered how important it was to offer its patients all the dental specialties under one roof, providing the best integrated treatment plans and, consequently, saving them a considerable amount of time and expense.
Today, we can offer not only the traditional dental treatments, such as periodontics, orthodontics, pedodontics, crown and bridge, oral surgery, dental implants, esthetic dentistry, but also treatments such as dental laser and maxillo-facial prosthetics.
It is amazing the outstanding results that can be obtained with maxillo-facial procedures in very few appointments.
Prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.
Maxillofacial prosthetics is a subspecialty of prosthodontics that involves rehabilitation of patients with defects or disabilities that were present when born or developed due to disease or trauma. Prostheses are often needed to replace missing areas of bone or tissue and restore oral functions such as swallowing, speech, and chewing.
A maxillectomy is a surgical procedure removing all or part of the hard and part or all of the soft palate. The resulting defect makes swallowing, speaking, chewing and the use of a regular denture prosthesis almost an impossible task.
A maxillectomy or palatectomy prosthesis or what is sometimes referred to as an “obturator” restores the surgical defect and aids in the function of speaking, chewing and swallowing. It fills the void left by the surgery and artificially replaces lost tissues and teeth in order to rehabilitate the patient’s oral functions, facial and oral esthetics and reestablish the patients self confidence.
Fabrication of an obturator is usually accomplished in three phases:
A person may be missing a portion of the face due to a congenital or an acquired condition. A congenital condition is one that you are born with, such as a facial cleft or hemi facial microsomia. An acquired condition exists as the result of facial injury caused by trauma or due to surgery after the removal of a tumor. An ear, eye, or the nose may be affected. In any case, this may affect the way you look, feel or function.
For many facial conditions, surgical reconstruction is the most natural way to restore appearance and normal function. However, such reconstructive surgery is not always possible or desirable. In such cases, a facial prosthesis may be an alternative treatment.
A facial prosthesis is an artificial replacement of an eye, ear, nose or other portion of the face that restores normal appearance and may improve function. The facial prosthesis is made of medical grade silicone rubber and an ocular prosthesis is made of acrylic resin that is custom made to suit the fit and appearance of the individual patient. Fabrication is a simple and painless procedure that requires 5 to 7 office visits to complete.
The prosthesis may be held in place with special skin glues or attachments that are connected to small titanium screws or an implant that has been placed into the bone around the effected facial area. You and your maxillofacial prosthodontist will determine which method of retention is best for you.
Inward and Outward Effects
The results of these treatments fulfill three important areas of the patient, dento/facial esthetics, functional and, last but not least, the psychological aspect.
With these latest procedures, the science of dentistry is discovering and applying innovative techniques to improve and resolve dental and facial issues that in the past could not be fixed. With prosthetics and other facial implants, doctors can now fix facial and bone disorders with proven results and quick healing time.
Not only does this science help improve the functional aspects of the face and mouth, but also to improve the patient’s self esteem and overall confidence. With this modern dentistry in practice, facial deformities can now be treated seamlessly and quickly.
Dr. Roberto Sanchez received his certificate on Dental Prosthesis at Medical College of Georgia and his certificate on Maxillofacial Prosthetics at University of Missouri in Kansas City. He is currently the President of the Dental Federation of Central America and Panama (FOCAP).
