Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of disorders affecting the facial complex and skeleton, including the jaws and oral cavity. Tooth extractions are possibly the most common procedure that oral surgeons perform. Patients are often referred to these specialists when wisdom teeth are impacted—that is, forming in a position where they can’t erupt or grow into the bite properly. Minor surgery is usually required to remove impacted wisdom teeth, and is generally recommended even if the impacted teeth aren’t (yet) producing any symptoms. Fortunately, this procedure is routine, and it is often done in the dental office using the techniques of sedation dentistry.
Corrective Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery is sometimes needed when orthodontics is not enough to correct a misaligned bite. In other cases, surgical treatment is necessary to repair congenital abnormalities (birth defects), or to treat severe orthodontic conditions, skeletal problems, and other disorders. In this procedure, usually performed under general anaesthesia, the bones of the face and jaw may be reshaped and repositioned, and the jaws and teeth realigned. Oral surgeons often work closely with orthodontists in planning and carrying out this type of surgery, which may be needed when orthodontics alone can’t correct the problem.
Cleft lip /palate surgery is a special type of surgery often performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons to correct the changes in facial structure caused by this birth defect.
Reconstructive surgery may be necessary after traumatic dental injury or facial trauma, which can result from an auto accident, a workplace injury, and many other causes. This surgery is also sometimes needed following the removal of a tumor or another operation. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in repairing and reconstructing facial structures, and are adept at working with both hard and soft tissues.
These specialists can also set a solid foundation for cosmetic and restorative dental work, including the placement of dental implants, the system of tooth replacement preferred by many patients. Depending on the condition of the jaw, bone grafting procedures may be required for proper placement of the implants in the jaw. When dentures are the chosen tooth replacement method, oral surgeons can smooth and reshape alveolar (jaw) bone as needed, to ensure a comfortable fit in the mouth.