Christopher F. Viozzi, M.D., D.D.S.

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SUMMARY

The practice of Christopher F. Viozzi, M.D., D.D.S., focuses on treating adults and children with congenital or acquired deformities of the facial bones. A complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors causes many if not most of these conditions. But for the most part, there is only a limited understanding of why these conditions occur.

Two examples of congenital or acquired deformities of the facial bones are cleft lip and palate in children and obstructive sleep apnea in adults. Both conditions have some degree of genetic predisposition. But environmental factors clearly affect these conditions.

Dr. Viozzi's research focuses on treating congenital or acquired deformities of the facial bones, specifically the techniques used to manage them and treatment results.

Focus areas

• Obstructive sleep apnea. The use of facial bone osteotomies to treat this condition is highly successful but with significant morbidity. Dr. Viozzi's research focuses on the results of this surgery and quality-of-life outcomes.
• Alveolar cleft grafting. Patients with cleft lip and palate require grafting of the cleft alveolus to repair the oronasal fistula and create a unified maxilla. Dr. Viozzi's research focuses on using alternative materials as opposed to autologous bone.
• Bone grafting techniques for alveolar transverse defects for dental implant reconstruction. This technique focuses on patients who are noncleft with alveolar deficiencies and need bone grafting for implant insertion for dental reconstruction.

Significance to patient care

The conditions Dr. Viozzi treats greatly affect how patients function every day, including how they eat, talk, breathe and sleep. Dr. Viozzi feels that everyone deserves treatments that will improve these everyday functions. As a surgeon, Dr. Viozzi's goal is to provide operations that make patients' quality of life better with the least negative impact.