Oral and maxillofacial surgery bridges the gap between dentistry and medicine, focusing on diagnosing and surgically treating a variety of conditions that affect the head, neck, face, jaw, and oral cavity.
From simple tooth extractions to complex reconstructive surgeries, oral and maxillofacial surgeons handle numerous procedures aimed at restoring function and appearance.
In this post, we will cover what maxillofacial surgeons do, the treatments they provide, the risks involved, and much more.
What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a specialist who has completed extensive training after dental or medical school.
These professionals are highly trained in both medicine and dentistry, often earning dual degrees in these fields.
After completing their general education, maxillofacial surgeons undergo an additional 4 to 6 years of residency to specialize in surgical procedures of the mouth, face, and jaw.
Maxillofacial surgeons can also opt for further subspecialization in areas like facial reconstructive surgery or head and neck cancer surgery.
Treatments Performed by a Maxillofacial Surgeon
Maxillofacial surgeons handle a wide range of both medical and dental problems. Here are the treatments typically performed:
- Wisdom tooth extraction: Including impacted or complex cases.
- Dental implants: Placement of artificial teeth supported by the jawbone.
- Orthognathic surgery: Corrects misalignment of the jaws.
- Bone grafting: Used to build up bone before implant placement.
- Cleft lip and palate surgery: Reconstructive procedures to correct congenital defects.
- Facial trauma management: Treatment of facial fractures or injuries.
- Head and neck cancer treatment: Includes tumor removal and reconstruction.
- Jaw surgery: To treat conditions like TMJ disorders.
- Cosmetic facial surgery: Includes rhinoplasty, facelifts, and more.
Oral Surgery vs. Maxillofacial Surgery
While both oral and maxillofacial surgery involve surgical procedures in the mouth, they differ in scope. Oral surgery focuses on simpler, in-office procedures like tooth extractions and gum surgery.
Maxillofacial surgery, however, handles more complex cases involving the jaw, facial bones, and soft tissues, requiring a higher level of expertise.
Common Conditions Treated by Maxillofacial Surgeons
1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are often impacted, meaning they don’t have enough room to emerge properly. Maxillofacial surgeons are skilled in removing impacted wisdom teeth, reducing the risk of complications like infection or damage to surrounding teeth.
2. Jaw Misalignment (Orthognathic Surgery)
When the upper and lower jaws don’t align correctly, maxillofacial surgery can reposition them to improve both function and appearance.
3. Facial Trauma
Accidents that lead to broken facial bones require the expertise of maxillofacial surgeons to restore both form and function.
4. Oral Cancer
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons often collaborate with oncologists to remove cancerous tumors in the head and neck area, sometimes performing complex reconstructive surgeries after tumor removal.
5. Cleft Lip and Palate
Maxillofacial surgeons correct congenital issues like cleft lip and palate, which can impact a child’s ability to eat, speak, and breathe.
Risks of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
As with any surgery, there are potential risks involved, including:
- Nerve damage: In some cases, the surgery may impact nerves, causing temporary or permanent numbness.
- Infection: There’s always a small risk of infection after surgery.
- Swelling: Post-operative swelling is common but typically subsides after a few days.
- Bleeding: Minor bleeding may occur during and after surgery.
- Facial asymmetry: In rare cases, surgical outcomes might affect the balance and symmetry of the face.
However, when performed by a skilled surgeon, the likelihood of severe complications is minimal.
How to Prepare for Maxillofacial Surgery
Preparation is key to a successful procedure. Your surgeon will likely recommend the following steps:
- Avoid smoking and alcohol in the weeks leading up to surgery.
- Follow any pre-surgery fasting requirements.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery if anesthesia is involved.
- Ensure you understand all post-operative care instructions.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery times vary depending on the type of surgery. Most patients experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications. A soft diet and plenty of rest are essential during the first few days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between a dentist and an oral surgeon?
An oral surgeon is a dentist with specialized surgical training. While a general dentist performs routine procedures like fillings and cleanings, an oral surgeon handles more complex dental surgeries, such as wisdom tooth extraction and corrective jaw surgery.
2. Is maxillofacial surgery painful?
Thanks to modern anesthetics and pain management techniques, most patients experience minimal discomfort during and after surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help you manage any post-operative pain.
3. Can a maxillofacial surgeon treat sleep apnea?
Yes, maxillofacial surgeons can perform surgeries to treat sleep apnea by adjusting the position of the jaw or soft tissues to improve airflow during sleep.
4. How long does it take to recover from jaw surgery?
The initial healing process typically takes 6 to 8 weeks, but full recovery may take up to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
5. Do I need a referral to see a maxillofacial surgeon?
In many cases, a referral from your dentist or physician is needed to see a maxillofacial surgeon, especially if the procedure is covered by insurance.
Conclusion
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialized field that addresses both functional and aesthetic concerns related to the mouth, face, and jaw.
Whether you’re dealing with impacted wisdom teeth, jaw misalignment, or need reconstructive surgery, maxillofacial surgeons have the expertise to deliver optimal outcomes.
If you think you may need a consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon, speak to your dentist or physician for a referral.
