Common Conditions Treated With Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the surgical treatment of a wide range of illnesses, injuries, and deformities in the head, neck, face, jaws, and soft and hard tissues of the oral and maxillofacial area. It is a recognized international surgical specialty, and patients seek the ability and knowledge of a trained oral surgeon for various reasons. You can consult an implant dentist in Fort Myers today for more information.
Oral surgeons and what they do
After graduating from dentistry school, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the only recognized dental specialists who undergo four years of surgical training in an American Dental Association-accredited hospital-based residency program. They receive training alongside medical residents in internal medicine, general surgery, and anesthesia, as well as otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), plastic surgery, emergency medicine, and other specialties.
Their education is almost entirely focused on the hard and soft tissue of the face, mouth, and jaws, and their knowledge and surgical ability uniquely qualify them to diagnose and treat functional and cosmetic issues in this area of the body.
Maxillofacial surgery – what is it?
Maxillofacial surgery is a subspeciality of dentistry. It includes treatments for injuries, diseases, and abnormalities of the jaw, face, or mouth. Maxillofacial surgeons are highly trained professionals who diagnose and treat diseases involving:
- Roof of your mouth (palate).
- Bones and tissues of your jaw and lower face (maxillofacial area).
- Teeth.
What it treats
- Wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last adult teeth to develop. Most people receive wisdom teeth between 17 and 21, while others might get them as early as 11. Wisdom teeth are difficult because the jaw is rarely wide enough to accept them. This can result in congestion, persistent discomfort, an increased risk of infection, impaction, and other problems. Oral surgeons are experts in securely extracting wisdom teeth, allowing you to avoid these hazards in the future.
- Lost teeth
What if a tooth is lost due to illness, decay, or simple dental neglect? The tooth must be replaced when you lose a tooth or have one pulled. Tooth replacement lets you keep your smile’s function and appearance while preventing subsequent problems, such as bone loss. An oral surgeon can discuss various tooth replacement alternatives with you. Dental implants are the gold standard of care, letting you experience long-lasting results.
- Bone loss
It is usual to lose bone when you lose teeth. One explanation is that the jawbone might atrophy and degrade without stimulation from your natural tooth root. This might result in unfavorable alterations to your face. It may also make it more difficult for your oral surgeon to replace your teeth since dental implants require a specific quantity of bone to anchor in. Oral surgeons can rebuild bone where it is most needed using a simple surgical procedure called bone grafting.