PATIENT INFORMATION

WHAT IS ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY?

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery encompasses the art and science of the diagnosis, surgical and related treatment of diseases, injuries, deformities, defects, and esthetic aspects of the oral and maxillofacial area. The word "maxillofacial " refers to the jaws and face.

The scope of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is actually quite broad and includes the following:

Removal of Diseased and Impacted Teeth and Anesthesia Management

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are well known for their skills in the safe and comfortable removal of impacted, mal-positioned, or damaged teeth. They also provide sophisticated, safe, and effective anesthesia services in their office for the comfort of their patients.

Dental Implants

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, in close collaboration with restorative dentists, treatment plan and place dental implants used to replace missing teeth which restore the function and confidence of their patients. This frequently includes the replacement of missing bone and/or soft tissues to enable the placement of implants and optimize their long-term health, stability, and esthetics.

Correction of Dentofacial (bite & facial) Deformities

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, usually in conjunction with an orthodontic specialist, surgically reconstruct and realign the upper and/or lower jaws into proper dental and facial relationships to provide improved function and facial appearance. They also surgically correct birth defects of the face including cleft lip and palate.

Reconstructive and Cosmetic Facial Surgery

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons correct jaw, facial bone, and facial soft tissue problems left as a result of previous trauma or removal of pathology. This includes moving skin, bone, nerves, and other tissues from other parts of the body to reconstruct the jaws and face. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons also use these same skills to perform cosmetic procedures intended to rejuvenate the aging face or improve undesirable features.

Obstructive Sleep Disorders including Snoring

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are important members of the health professional team involved in the treatment of sleep disorders. A variety of surgical procedures are performed with the goal of improving the airway during sleep and eliminating bothersome snoring. The skills of the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, including their training in anesthesia, are especially suited to treat these disorders.

Oral and Facial Trauma

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons routinely care for facial injuries by repairing simple and complex facial skin lacerations, setting fractures of the jaws and facial bones, reconstructing severed nerves and ducts, and treating other facial injuries. These procedures include the care of oral structures, the jaws, cheek and nasal bones, the forehead, and the eye sockets.

Pathological Conditions of the Oral and Facial Regions

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons manage patients with benign and malignant cysts and tumors of the oral cavity and facial regions. Severe infections of the oral cavity, maxillofacial structures, salivary glands, and neck are also treated.

Temporomandibular (TMJ) Disorders including Facial Pain

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are the surgical specialists who treat TMJ disorders. This may include non-surgical or surgical methods depending upon the joint problem. Facial pain problems are also frequently associated with TMJ problems and are treated in conjunction with other therapies.

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