Dentistry has eight specialties recognized by the national governing agency the American Dental Association. One of these specialties is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS). Maxillofacial prosthodontics is a specialty of OMS, trained to handle not only normal dental problems but also extreme ones. Dr. Gary Horblitt of Fairfield, CT, is a licensed and experienced maxillofacial prosthodontist.

Today’s blog will explore this OMS subspecialty, its educational and training requirements, procedures and treatments under the maxillofacial prosthodontics heading, and why you may be referred for a consultation.

Training Requirements for Maxillofacial Prosthodontists

After graduating from high school, a maxillofacial prosthodontist must accomplish 11 to 13 years of additional training. This education includes a bachelor’s degree, then a doctorate in dentistry. Next comes three years of prosthodontist education and a maxillofacial prosthodontics residency.

 Special Note: Dr. Horblitt was in the first group of prosthodontists indoctrinated in the US. He trained with P I Branemark, a Swedish orthopedic surgeon well known for the implant technology he developed. In addition, in Connecticut, Dr. Horblitt completed the first implant restoration that involved both upper and lower implants. Learn more about Dr. Gary Horblitt’s training and experience here.

Maxillofacial Prosthodontics Procedures and Treatments

These are some of the most common prosthetics and procedures completed by maxillofacial prosthodontists.

• Dental implant(s) – replace teeth or anchor a denture
• Ocular – replaces an eye
• Orbital – replaces an eye and associated tissues
• Auricular – replaces ear
• Nasal – replaces nose
• Midfacial – replaces 2 or more facial structures
• Radiation shield – protects healthy tissues during radiation sessions
• Surgical obturator – replaces upper palate of the mouth, post-surgery
• Interim and definitive obturator – replaces all or part of upper palate for those who had cleft palate; includes prosthetic teeth, gums, and defect hole; improves eating, chewing, swallowing, speaking
• Palatal lift – corrects soft palate issues to improve speech
• Palatal augmentation (drop) – reshapes palate to improve speech
• Mandibular resection – replaces part of the jaw, including teeth and gums
• Fluoride carrier – mainly for radiation patients and those with particular medical conditions; holds fluoride gel; for patients with xerostomia (dry mouth); strengthens, and preserves compromised teeth

Who Would Need Dr. Gary Horblitt?

As a maxillofacial prosthodontist, Dr. Horblitt’s primary goal is to improve the quality of life of his patients. He is a dentist of need for patients with complete needs or looking for extraordinary craftsmanship. Those who need his services include, but are not limited to:

• Patients who desire dental implants or dental retained dentures, dentures, partials, crowns, perfect fillings, corrected or failing dentures, and esthetics
• Anyone who desires a facial prosthesis for functional or cosmetic reasons
• Patients born with a defect or disability affecting the face and/or jaws
• Patients who need facial prosthetics due to a disease (ALS), stroke, injury, or accident
• Patients undergoing radiation who need a shield created

In most cases, a patient is referred to Dr. Horblitt’s office. You may receive a referral from one of these doctors:

• ENT
• Oral surgeon
• Dentist of any specialty
• Plastic surgeon
• Neurologist
• Radiation oncologist
• Speech pathologist
• Anaplastologist
• Dentist

Schedule Your Consultation About Maxillofacial Prosthodontics

If you need a maxillofacial prosthodontist, schedule a consultation with Gary Horblitt, DDS, Prosthodontist. His expertise, training, and education make Dr. Horblitt an excellent choice. Dr. Horblitt also offers general, implant, and cosmetic dentistry. Give us a call today at 203-335-1011 to reserve your appointment.