Scope of Surgical Dentistry:
- Extractions: Oral surgeons commonly perform complex tooth extractions, including impacted wisdom teeth and other teeth that may be challenging to remove.
- Dental Implants: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons often place dental implants, which involves the surgical insertion of titanium posts into the jawbone to support artificial teeth.
- Orthognathic Surgery: This involves the surgical correction of jaw irregularities to improve bite and facial aesthetics.
- Bone Grafting: Oral surgeons may perform bone grafting procedures to augment and rebuild bone in the jaw, typically in preparation for dental implant placement.
- TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Surgery: Surgical interventions may be considered for severe cases of TMJ disorders that do not respond to conservative treatments.
- Cleft Lip and Palate Repair: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons may be involved in the surgical correction of congenital conditions such as cleft lip and palate.
- Facial Trauma: Treatment of facial injuries, such as fractures of the jaw, nose, or cheekbones, falls within the scope of surgical dentistry.
- Oral Pathology: Oral surgeons diagnose and treat diseases of the oral cavity and surrounding structures, including oral cancer.
Education and Training:
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons typically complete dental school followed by a residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This residency includes extensive training in both dentistry and medicine, as well as surgical procedures related to the oral and maxillofacial region.
- Many oral and maxillofacial surgeons also obtain medical degrees (MD) during their training, allowing them to practice medicine and surgery in addition to dentistry.
Anesthesia and Sedation:
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained in the administration of anesthesia and sedation to ensure patient comfort and safety during surgical procedures.
- Various levels of anesthesia, including local anesthesia, conscious sedation, and general anesthesia, may be used depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s needs.
Collaboration with Other Specialties:
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons often collaborate with other dental specialists, such as orthodontists, prosthodontists, and periodontists, as well as medical professionals in fields like otolaryngology (ENT) and plastic surgery.
Postoperative Care:
- Oral surgeons provide postoperative care instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and address any complications.
If you require surgical dental procedures, your general dentist may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for specialized care. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons play a crucial role in addressing a wide range of oral and facial conditions, combining dental expertise with surgical skills to provide comprehensive care for their patients.