When a portion of the jaw, oral cavity, or face is missing due to tumour surgery, trauma, or a congenital condition, reconstructive surgery is a vital first step to restore form and function. However, when surgical reconstruction alone cannot fully achieve these goals, advanced maxillofacial prosthodontics bridges the gap.
At the University of Washington Maxillofacial Prosthetics Service, we combine specialized clinical expertise with cutting-edge technology to restore speech, chewing, swallowing, and dignity, helping patients regain their quality of life.
Referrals
We are a REFFERAL service only. A physician must submit our HIPAA compliant online referral form to be accepted as a patient at our clinic.
Innovative Procedures in Maxillofacial Rehabilitation
Our service is at the forefront of modern reconstructive care, utilizing sophisticated digital workflows and advanced biomaterials to deliver highly precise, predictable outcomes.
- Surgical Design, Planning & Simulation: We utilize state-of-the-art 3D imaging, digital surgical design, and computer-aided simulation to plan complex jaw and facial reconstructions before entering the operating room. By digitally designing surgical guides and planning for immediate bone anchored (osseointegrated) implants, we achieve unprecedented functional accuracy, significantly reducing operative times and improving treatment outcomes.
- Advanced Osseointegration Management: For patients requiring robust prosthetic support, we specialize in the comprehensive management of bone-anchored (osseointegrated) implants. Whether restoring dentition or anchoring a facial prosthesis, our team manages the complex biology and biomechanics of bone anchored implants in native and reconstructed bone tissue, including patients who have undergone radiation therapy.
- Digital & Analogue Prosthetic Design: Each custom prosthesis is tailored to the patient’s precise anatomy. Depending on your specific condition, oral prostheses may be permanently fixed to bone anchored (osseointegrated) implants or designed as stable removable restorations.
Here are some of the conditions we manage:
- Mouth and Face Injuries
- Growths and Tumors: benign and cancerous (malignant) lumps or tumors in the mouth or face.
- Bone anchored (osseointegrated) Implants: Replacing missing dentition and jaw structure.
- Cleft Lip and Palate: Correcting splits in the lip or the roof of the mouth that people are born with.
- Inherited Genetic Conditions: Caring for rare, genetic conditions like ectodermal dysplasia, amelogenesis and dentinogenesis imperfecta and other developmental disorders.
- Custom Artificial Parts: Designing and fitting specialized artificial pieces (prostheses) to rebuild parts of the face or mouth.
Facial Reconstructive Prosthetics
For patients requiring external facial replacements—such as an artificial ear, nose, or orbital prosthesis—our maxillofacial prosthodontists work in close collaboration with skilled anaplastologists. These lifelike facial prostheses are meticulously sculpted and retained using medical-grade skin adhesives or securely anchored via bone anchored (osseointegrated) implants using specialized magnet or clip retention systems.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Welcome! We are excited to meet you. Your first visit is all about gathering information to create a personalized, long-term care plan just for you.
Here is what we will do together:
- Complete an Exam: We’ll perform a thorough head, neck, and oral examination. This often includes taking digital photographs and X-rays.
- Consult Specialists (If needed): If your care requires it, we might refer you to other specialists in our interdisciplinary team, for an evaluation.
- Review Your Plan: Before any treatment begins, we will sit down with you to review your custom plan, map out the timeline, and answer all your questions.
- Handle Insurance and payment: Our Patient Service Specialist will review payment options with you. If you have insurance and we are contracted or in-network with your carrier, we will explain the process to you.
Every treatment journey is unique, so timelines vary based on the complexity of your reconstruction.