Silicone Nose Prosthesis

If you choose to receive an osseointegrated prosthetic nose, your surgeon will place several titanium implant posts into the bone around the nose. The silicone nose will then snap securely onto these implants. Both types of prostheses are removable. You should take off your prosthetic nose before you sleep or participate in athletic activities, and you should also remove it once a day to thoroughly clean the nose and underlying tissue. Typically, these prostheses last between one and three years, depending on maintenance, environment, activity level, and other factors.

Prostheses are often needed to replace missing areas of bone or tissue and restore oral functions such as swallowing, speech, and chewing. In other instances, a prosthesis for the face or body may be indicated for cosmetic and psychosocial reasons. Prosthetic devices may also be created to position or shield facial structures during radiation therapy. Patients that typically desire prosthetic care are those that have been in an accident, have had surgical removal of diseased tissues, or have a neuromuscular disorder from ALS or a stroke. Children can also be born without full development of ears, teeth, or palate and need specialized care. Maxillofacial Prosthodontists are accustomed to working cooperatively with ENTs, oral surgeons, general and specialty dentists, plastic surgeons, neurologists, radiation oncologists, speech pathologists, anaplastologists and various ancillary personnel. The overall goal of all maxillofacial prosthetic treatment is to improve the quality of life.