Newton Dental Associates Dr. Elyse Wagner is the preferred Maxillofacial Prosthodontist of some of Boston’s most prestigious hospitals. She is one of a handful of specialists trained in maxillofacial prosthetics in the Greater Boston area. Dr. Wagner develops custom devices for people whose mouths are affected by serious disease or injury. For these patients, she does more than restore smiles, she allows these patients to speak, eat, and do other everyday activities with less difficulty. Dr. Elyse Wagner is dedicated to providing compassionate care to those who need it most.
What Is a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist?
Maxillofacial Prosthetics is a sub-specialty of prosthodontics that involves rehabilitation of patients with defects or disabilities that were present when born or developed due to disease or trauma.
A maxillofacial prosthodontist has specific, advanced training to treat conditions affecting the head, neck and face. The maxillofacial prosthodontist uses artistic skill and science to create prosthetics that improve your function and appearance.
Who Requires a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist?
Patients that typically desire prosthetic care are those that have a congenital issue (present at birth) such as a cleft palate, or they may have been in an accident, or they may have had surgical removal of diseased tissues.
Prostheses are often needed to replace missing areas of bone or tissue and restore oral functions such as swallowing, speech, and chewing. A typical dentist will often find these bone and tissue deficiencies to be beyond the scope of their practice.
Prosthodontists are accustomed to working cooperatively with ENTs, oral surgeons, general and specialty dentists, plastic surgeons, neurologists, radiation oncologists, speech pathologists, and various ancillary personnel. The overall goal of all maxillofacial prosthetic treatment is to improve the quality of life
Conditions We Treat
Maxillofacial prosthodontists can provide prosthetic rehabilitation for conditions including:
- Head and neck cancer and surgery to treat it
- Complications from cancer treatment, including the effects of radiation therapy and chemotherapy
We can create the following intraoral prosthesis:
Surgical Obturator Prosthesis
Covers palate after partial or total loss of the maxilla (upper jaw). This is used after surgery to provide closure.
Interim and Definitive Obturator
Covers palate after partial or total loss of maxilla after removal of a tumor or due to cleft palate. It restores teeth and gums and has an extension that closes the defect or hole for swallowing, eating, chewing, and speaking.
Palatal Lift Prosthesis
Helps soft palate assume the correct position for speech and swallowing.
Palatal Augmentation (Drop) Prosthesis
Alters the palate prosthetically for speech (after the function or shape of the tongue is compromised).
Mandibular Resection Prosthesis
Replaces the portion of the jaw that has been lost and restores gums and teeth.
Fluoride Carrier/ Radiation mouthguards/Tongue repositioning devices
Various appliances prescribed by the radiation oncologist to protect teeth and tissues from radiation and subsequent disease.
Maxillofacial Prosthetics: Why Choose Us?
Dr. Elyse Wagner has fellowship training in meeting the unique needs of cancer patients. Our office delivers focused care for traumatic injuries and congenital (present at birth) abnormalities. This level of service leads to exceptional results.
Contact Us
Our services require a referral from a specialist.
Specialists who typically refer patients for our services include:
- Ear, nose and throat doctors
- Head and neck surgeons
- Plastic surgeons
- Radiation oncologists
- Sleep medicine doctors
- Speech-language pathologists
To refer your patient to Dr. Elyse Wagner please download Wagner referral form or please complete the referral form below
