Oval Dental Clinic

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

What is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?

Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, a specialized field within dentistry, addresses a wide range of conditions affecting the face, jaw, mouth, and associated structures. Maxillofacial surgeons are highly skilled professionals capable of diagnosing and treating various issues:

  1. Facial Trauma: Surgeons manage complex facial injuries resulting from accidents, falls, sports-related incidents, or violence. These injuries may include fractures of facial bones, soft tissue lacerations, or damage to teeth and supporting structures.

  2. Orthognathic Surgery: This corrects jaw abnormalities causing functional difficulties like chewing, speaking, or breathing, as well as aesthetic concerns related to facial harmony. The goal is to reposition the jaws for proper alignment and balance.

  3. Dental Implants: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are extensively trained in placing dental implants, which serve as artificial tooth roots. Dental implants provide a stable foundation for dental prostheses.

  4. Cleft Lip and Palate Repair: Individuals born with cleft lip and/or palate require specialized surgical care to correct these congenital anomalies. Surgeons collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to perform reconstructive procedures improving appearance and function.

  5. TMJ Disorders: These can cause pain, clicking sounds, and limited jaw movement, affecting eating, speaking, and daily function. Surgeons offer various treatments, including arthroscopic surgery, to alleviate symptoms and enhance jaw function.

  6. Facial Cosmetic Surgery: Some surgeons specialize in aesthetic procedures like rhinoplasty, otoplasty, facelifts, or chin augmentation to enhance facial appearance.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Advantages of Orthognathic Surgery

    Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, offers numerous benefits beyond just aesthetic improvements. This transformative procedure not only enhances facial harmony but also significantly improves functional aspects of daily life.

    One of the key advantages of corrective jaw surgery is its ability to address issues related to bite alignment and jaw function. By repositioning the jaws, teeth, and facial bones, this surgery can alleviate chronic discomfort associated with conditions like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, which often leads to jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing.

    Additionally, it can rectify abnormalities such as open bite or crossbite, improving the efficiency of chewing and speech. Moreover, corrective jaw surgery can be instrumental in correcting facial asymmetry resulting from birth defects or traumatic injuries. This not only enhances facial aesthetics but also restores confidence and self-esteem in individuals affected by such conditions.

   Furthermore, for patients suffering from sleep-disordered breathing conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), corrective jaw surgery can offer significant relief. By repositioning the upper and lower jaws, the airway can be widened, reducing the risk of breathing obstructions during sleep and alleviating symptoms such as snoring and daytime fatigue. It’s important to note that while corrective jaw surgery primarily aims to improve functionality and alleviate medical issues, the aesthetic benefits are often a welcomed side effect. Patients frequently report feeling more satisfied with their appearance post-surgery, which can positively impact their overall quality of life.

Typically, when performed by a seasoned oral and maxillofacial surgeon, often in conjunction with an orthodontist, jaw surgery is considered safe. Potential surgical risks encompass blood loss and the possibility of infection.

Maxillofacial surgery is considered a medical specialty rather than a dental specialty. It involves surgical procedures related to the treatment of conditions affecting the head, neck, face, jaws, and oral cavity. While it may involve dental aspects, such as jaw alignment and dental implants, it is primarily focused on addressing medical conditions and improving overall facial function and aesthetics.