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What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Surgeons that treat problems connected to the soft and hard facial, oral and jaw-line tissues are known as oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Unlike dentists, these surgeons are expected to complete extra four years of residency program connected to surgery at a hospital. Their specialty includes training in general surgery, emergency medicine and anesthesiology and apart from anesthesiologist, these are the only other specialists who are allowed to administer all types of sedation including general anesthesia.

What procedures are performed by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons?

Although dentists perform extractions of the teeth, many issues related to the jaw, oral and facial tissues require invasive and more complex procedures, which requires oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Some of these complex procedures are:

1) Tooth extractions: When wisdom teeth are obstructed from completely growing through the gum layers, it is known as an impacted wisdom tooth. This obstruction can either happen due to physical barriers such as other teeth or the non-vertical angle of the wisdom tooth. The extraction of wisdom teeth are a invasive procedure, as it may involve cutting into the gum to extract the tooth. Considering how complex this surgery is, it is always performed with the help of an oral surgeon.

2)Corrective Jaw Surgery: Certain birth defects and orthodontic problems require surgery as well as general anesthesia to undergo it. The realignment of the teeth and jaws and reshaping the bones of the face falls under corrective jaw surgery; also known as orthognathic surgery.

3) Palate Surgery/Cleft Lip: A split or an opening in the upper lip is known as a cleft lip and is the fourth common birth defect in the world. In some cases, the opening extends into the roof of the mouth, commonly known as cleft palate. According to research, this is caused by both environmental and genetic factors. However, the facial structure can be corrected via surgery. This type of surgery is known as palate surgery and is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

4) Reconstructive Surgery: Injuries to the face, jaws, mouth and teeth caused by auto accidents, workplace accidents, etc, requires reconstructive surgery. Although there are many different types of reconstructive surgeries, oral and maxillofacial surgeons often perform this surgery to help mend the bones and muscles of the face, teeth, jaw and mouth, i.e. if the patient has suffered injuries from such accidents.

This surgery helps the patient to not only heal from the physical trauma but can go on to resume a normal life.

When can you see an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

There are many reasons one can visit an oral surgeon. While the aforementioned procedures performed by an oral surgeon cover some of the reasons, there are other reasons that can and do require an oral surgeon. Some of these reasons are:

1) Tooth Replacement: Due to cavities, enamel erosion, broken or cracked teeth, etc, patients will require replacement of the tooth, which is usually done with a dental implant. This is usually done by an oral surgeon as it is a more invasive procedure.

2) Obstructive Sleep Apnea: When the upper airway is blocked during sleep, it is considered as 'obstructive sleep apnea'. Some of these symptoms include snoring and sleeplessness.

In order to treat this condition, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are consulted. Usually, oral surgeons will perform Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty; also known as UPPP. This procedure helps to re-position the soft palate tissues and trim the uvula; thereby widening the airway passage near the throat.

3) Orofacial Pain: Pain in the head, neck, teeth and jaw is considered as orofacial pain. The symptoms can range from burning, stabbing, tingling sensations, tinnitus, etc.

This could occur due to many different causes such as physical injuries, car accidents, disorders of the jaw (such as temporomandibular disorders), etc. However, depending on the cause, an oral surgeon can help to treat the condition; via surgery.

4) Oral Cancer: Cancer that affects the lining of the mouth, lips, teeth, gums, roof of the mouth and upper throat is known as oral cancer. White or red patches, sores on the tongue, painful canker sores in the mouth, etc. are just some of the many symptoms of oral cancer.

Since this effects the patient's oral health, most cancer specialists will team up with an oral surgeon, in order to give the patient the best and most effective treatment.

5) Removal Of Lesions: Tissues or organs that have suffered damage as a result of diseases and injuries are known as lesions. These lesions usually appear in the form of ulcers and in the mouth or in the oral cavity.

Certain severe oral lesions or ulcers that have affected the gums and jawline might require an oral surgeon to treat it.

Where is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon available?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons play an integral role in the well-being of patients suffering from various types of oral, facial and jaw issues. If one is suffering from any such issues, please feel free to book an online consultation with our very own AskADoctor oral and maxillofacial surgeon.