Unmatched experience in oral and maxillofacial prosthetics and implants
Penn Medicine is a leader in maxillofacial prosthetics and implants, providing the highest volume of this specialized care. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons and maxillofacial prosthodontists routinely perform complex procedures that are rarely done elsewhere.
We use advanced 3D digital technology to create personalized treatment plans, including virtual surgical planning, custom implant design, and 3D-printed prosthetics. Our specialists are also at the forefront of clinical research and innovation, helping to shape the future of oral and maxillofacial prosthodontics.
With multiple prosthetic and implant options, we tailor every approach to meet your individual needs.
Craniofacial prosthetics replace missing or damaged parts of the face, such as the eyes, ears, or nose, due to surgery, facial trauma, or birth conditions like congenital jaw deformities. These custom prosthetics are often secured with implants for a natural look and better function.
Jaw-in-a-Day is an advanced procedure that rebuilds the jaw and places dental implants in a single surgery, reducing the need for multiple operations over months. It is used for jaw defects caused by injury, disease, infection, jaw tumors, or cancer treatment.
This procedure uses 3D imaging and virtual planning to ensure precise reconstruction. A key step is the fibula free flap technique, where a piece of the lower leg bone (fibula) is used to rebuild the jaw. While still attached to the leg, the fibula is fitted with dental implants. Once transferred to the jaw, these implants allow for immediate tooth placement, leading to a faster recovery and shorter treatment time.
This prosthesis helps keep the jaw properly aligned after surgery or trauma, improving chewing, speech, swallowing, and appearance.
A maxillary obturator is a prosthesis used to close defects in the upper jaw, typically resulting from surgery, trauma, congenital conditions, or disease. It plays a critical role in restoring oral function and improving quality of life for patients with maxillary defects.
Prostheses for the palate are primarily used to help restore speech, swallowing, and oral function by addressing defects or dysfunctions in the palate.
- A palatal lift prosthesis lifts the soft palate to restore function lost due to congenital conditions or injuries, improving speech and swallowing.
- A palatal augmentation (drop) prosthesis reshapes the hard or soft palate to improve tongue movement, making speech and swallowing easier.
Zygomatic implants are an alternative to bone grafting for people with severe bone loss in the upper jaw. Unlike traditional dental implants, which are anchored in the jawbone, they are secured in the zygomatic (cheek) bone to provide a stable foundation for tooth replacement. These implants provide a faster, more effective way to restore dental function and improve quality of life.