What is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?

Oral and Maxillofacial surgery is a specialized type of dentistry used to fix various problems located in the head and neck. Different types of conditions are diagnosed and treated using oral or maxillofacial surgery. The surgeons that perform this kind of surgery have extensive training beyond general dentistry.

The term oral signifies anything that relates with the mouth. Maxillofacial means pertaining to the upper bones of the jaw and face. People that undergo oral or maxillofacial surgery will experience an operation that includes the aforementioned areas and tissues that surround them.

 Dental surgeons that are specialists in this area perform this particular type of surgery. They undergo training beyond a Doctor of Dentistry education to include surgical work and may add additional preparations in reconstruction.

 A doctor may decide to advise a patient to have oral or maxillofacial surgery for various types of conditions. It is often used to identify and manage those with Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and chronic facial pain disorders. Maxillofacial operations are also for corrective jaw surgery, sleep apnea and facial injuries.