Maxillofacial prosthetics in Dubai — obturators, facial prostheses and the referral pathway

Key facts

• Replace parts of the palate, jaw or face lost to surgery, trauma or congenital conditions
• Obturators seal palate openings to restore speech and swallowing
• Silicone facial prostheses may be retained by adhesives or implants
• Care is multidisciplinary, led by specialist prosthodontists
• Dr. Al-Khan provides surgical assessment and coordinates referral

What maxillofacial prosthetics are

Maxillofacial prosthetics replace missing parts of the mouth, jaws or face when surgical reconstruction is not possible, not preferred, or needs to be supplemented. Intraoral prostheses include obturators, which close an opening in the palate between the mouth and the nose or sinus, and prostheses that replace parts of the jaw and teeth. Extraoral or facial prostheses are usually made of medical-grade silicone, carefully coloured to match the skin, and can replace an ear, nose, eye and eyelid area, or parts of the cheek. Their aim is to restore function such as speech, swallowing and chewing, and to help people feel comfortable in public.

Obturators after palate surgery

When part of the upper jaw or palate is removed, often during treatment for a tumour, an opening may remain between the mouth and the nasal cavity or sinus. Without closure, food and liquid can escape into the nose and speech can become very nasal. An obturator is a removable plate, sometimes carrying replacement teeth, that seals this opening. A surgical obturator may be placed at the time of operation, followed by interim and then definitive obturators as healing occurs and tissues change. Dental implants and remaining teeth can help retain the prosthesis. Regular reviews are needed to adjust the fit over time.

Silicone facial prostheses

Silicone facial prostheses are individually sculpted and coloured to match the patient's features and skin tone. They may be held in place with medical adhesives, by fitting into undercuts of the surgical site, attached to glasses, or anchored to small craniofacial implants placed in the bone around the defect, which gives a more secure and convenient fit. Silicone gradually changes colour and wears with daily use and sun exposure, so prostheses usually need remaking periodically. Care includes daily cleaning of both the prosthesis and the skin, and protecting the area from irritation. A multidisciplinary team approach gives the most predictable result.

Assessment and referral pathway

Maxillofacial prosthetic care usually involves several specialists: the surgeon who treated the original condition, a maxillofacial prosthodontist, a specialist technician, and sometimes oncology, speech therapy and psychology teams. At Manhal, Dr. Al-Khan can assess the mouth, jaws and surgical site, review imaging including CBCT, evaluate bone for potential implant support, and treat related oral surgical problems. Where a prosthesis is needed, he coordinates referral to an appropriate specialist maxillofacial prosthetics service and shares the relevant findings. This ensures the patient is directed to the right team and that oral health is optimised before the prosthesis is made.

Living with a prosthesis

Adapting to a prosthesis takes time. Obturators may need several adjustments to achieve a good seal for speech and swallowing, and speech therapy can help. Keeping remaining teeth and gums healthy is essential, as they often help support the prosthesis; regular dental check-ups, careful brushing and fluoride use are recommended, especially after radiotherapy, which increases decay risk. Report sores, bleeding, a poor fit, or any new lump or ulcer at the surgical site promptly, because these may need review. Patients who have had head and neck cancer also need ongoing surveillance with their oncology team.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery treats conditions of the mouth and jaws that go beyond routine dentistry: impacted teeth, cysts and benign lesions, jaw injuries, and preparation of bone for implants.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Moataz Al-Khan

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.