Consult with Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons - Orthognathic surgeons

What is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a medical speciality that involves the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases, injuries, and defects of the oral cavity, jaw, and face. This speciality is a combination of two other fields: dentistry and medicine.

The specialist in this field is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who has undergone extensive education and training in both areas. They are trained to manage complex surgeries involving the hard and soft tissues of the oral and facial regions.

Who is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

An oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is a specialist who has completed four years of dental school followed by a residency programme in oral and maxillofacial surgery that can last between four to six years. During their residency, they are trained to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the face, mouth, teeth, jaws, and neck.

They work with a team of healthcare professionals to treat conditions such as facial trauma, head and neck cancer, salivary gland disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, facial pain disorders, and TMJ disorders. A Maxillofacial and oral Surgeon may also perform elective procedures such as orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery) or cosmetic procedures like rhinoplasty or chin augmentation.

When Should You Consult an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

If you experience any of the following conditions or symptoms, you should consider consulting an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon:

• Impacted teeth: When a tooth fails to erupt properly, it can cause pain or infection. A surgeon can remove impacted teeth safely.
• Facial trauma: If you have suffered an injury to your face or jaw, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon can repair any fractures or soft tissue injuries.
• Oral cancer: If you have a suspicious lesion or sore in your mouth, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon can perform a biopsy and remove any cancerous tissue.
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): If you have OSA, a Maxillofacial and oral Surgeon can perform surgical procedures to help improve your breathing during sleep.
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: If you experience pain or discomfort in your jaw joint, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon can diagnose the cause of your condition and provide treatment options.

What Medical Conditions Do Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Treat?

Maxillofacial and oral surgeons are trained to treat a wide variety of medical conditions. Some of the most common conditions that they treat include:

• Impacted teeth
• Facial trauma
• Orthognathic surgery
• Head and neck cancer
• Salivary gland disorders
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Facial pain disorders
• TMJ disorders
• Cleft lip and palate
• Craniofacial anomalies
• Facial cosmetic procedures

What Are the Different Types of Procedures Conducted by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform a range of procedures. Some of the most common procedures include:

• Tooth extraction: An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon can safely remove impacted wisdom teeth, as well as other teeth that cannot be extracted by a general dentist.
• Dental implants: If you have missing teeth, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon can place dental implants to replace them.
• Corrective jaw surgery: An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon can perform procedures to align the jaws and improve your bite.
• Facial reconstruction: If you have suffered facial trauma, a Surgeon can reconstruct the lost or damaged tissues.
• Salivary gland surgery: A Surgeon can perform procedures to remove stones in the salivary glands or treat other diseases affecting them.
• Head and neck cancer surgery: An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon can remove cancerous tumours from the head and neck regions.
• Obstructive sleep apnea surgery: An oral and maxillofacial surgeon can perform surgical procedures to help improve your breathing during sleep.

How Can I Consult an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms or conditions mentioned above, you should consult an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. You can consult one through Apollo 24/7's website or by visiting a hospital that has an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department.

During your consultation, the specialist will take a detailed medical history, perform a physical examination, and may recommend diagnostic tests such as X-rays or CT scans to diagnose your condition. They will then recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

The Role of an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in Healthcare

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons play a crucial role in healthcare by treating conditions that affect the mouth, jaw, and face. They work with a team of healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients with complex medical conditions. By utilising their extensive training and expertise, they can help improve their patients' quality of life and restore their oral and facial function.

If you are experiencing any symptoms related to the conditions mentioned above, it is important to consult an Oral Surgeon. They are highly trained specialists who can diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions affecting the hard and soft tissues of the oral and facial regions.