What Is a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist?
Specialized care for complex oral and facial rehabilitation
Maxillofacial Prosthetics is a subspecialty of prosthodontics focused on rehabilitating patients with defects or disabilities present at birth or developed due to disease or trauma.
Prostheses are often used to replace missing bone or tissue and restore essential functions such as swallowing, speech, and chewing. In some cases, prosthetic devices are also created for cosmetic and psychosocial reasons or to protect tissues during radiation therapy.
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Who this care helps
Patients who benefit from maxillofacial prosthetic care often include those who have experienced trauma, undergone surgical removal of diseased tissue, or have conditions such as neuromuscular disorders, including ALS or stroke.
Children born with developmental differences — such as missing ears, teeth, or portions of the palate — may also require specialized prosthetic care.
Goal of treatment
The overall goal of maxillofacial prosthetic care is to restore function, improve appearance, and enhance quality of life.
Collaborative care
Maxillofacial prosthodontists work closely with a wide range of healthcare professionals, including ENTs, oral surgeons, general and specialty dentists, plastic surgeons, neurologists, radiation oncologists, speech pathologists, and anaplastologists.
This collaborative approach ensures that each patient receives comprehensive, coordinated care tailored to their unique needs.
Advanced training
Dr. Phasuk is a prosthodontist with additional training in maxillofacial prosthodontics from MD Anderson Cancer Center. After completing three years of prosthodontic training, he pursued an additional year focused on oral oncology and complex prosthetic rehabilitation.
Specialized expertise
This advanced training allows for highly customized treatment planning and care for patients with complex medical, surgical, and functional needs.
Scope of treatment
Surgical obturator prosthesis
Covers the palate after partial or total loss of the upper jaw following surgery, helping restore closure.
Interim and definitive obturator
Restores teeth and gum structures while closing defects to allow for proper swallowing, chewing, and speech.
Palatal lift prosthesis
Helps position the soft palate correctly to improve speech.
Palatal augmentation prosthesis
Modifies the palate to improve speech function.
Mandibular resection prosthesis
Replaces portions of the lower jaw and restores oral function after surgical removal.
Fluoride carrier
Custom trays used to deliver fluoride for patients with dry mouth due to medications, radiation therapy, or medical conditions — helping protect and preserve teeth.
Restoring function. Rebuilding confidence. Improving lives.
Our goal is to deliver compassionate, highly specialized care for every patient we serve.