What is maxillofacial surgery?

by | Jun 6, 2014 | Dental Services

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Maxillofacial surgery is a dental specialty that focuses on patients who have problems with their jaw, mouth and neck. A best oral surgeon in Ponte Vedra Area is a dentist who has graduated dental college and then take additional training and residency. There are many very important nerves that run through this area so it can take a number of years before the surgeon can sit the board exam and practice safely.

A general practice dentist or an orthodontist will often refer their patients to an oral surgeon in Ponte Vedra if the problem is such that basic dental procedures or orthodontics cannot correct the problem. It may be necessary for the oral surgeon to extract wisdom teeth which have become impacted, fix overbites and jaw deformities or address facial pain. Part of the training the oral surgeon goes through is reconstructive surgery; this allows him or her to rebuild parts of the face that have been damaged by disease or an accident.

If a person has been involved in a serifs accident, perhaps a vehicle crash, this patient will often be referred to the maxillofacial or oral surgeon. The surgeon will be able to perform procedures that can correct damage to the face be it cosmetic or structural such as a broken jaw. In addition to improving the looks of a disfigured patient, the oral surgeon can treat nerve damage as well as other facial issues that are the cause of pain. When the patient receives quick response to the problems the chances of long term problems can be greatly reduced, it becomes more difficult with the passing of time.

Cancer is a terrible disease that can strike any part of the anatomy, if a patient has facial tumors which are cancerous then facial surgery may play an important role in the treatment. The oral surgeon will usually work hand in hand with a cancer specialist, removing damaged or diseased tissue and then rebuild the face using plastic surgery techniques, thus removing the embarrassment that would be felt if the patient was to be left with a strange physical appearance.

Many babies are born with birth defects, if the defect is a cleft pallet or lip, the oral surgeon can repair the damage or at least minimize it so that the deformity does not follow the individual through life. Corrective facial surgery can change the appearance drastically of those born with this defect, giving them the confidence they need to go through life as a normal person.

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