What Types Of Procedures Are Performed During Oral And Maxillofacial Syrgery?

When you hear the words "dental surgery," you may often think of a common surgery, such as having the wisdom teeth removed. While this is a definite procedure performed by dental surgeons all over the world, there are many other types of services that patients receive. Another area of dental surgery is oral and maxillofacial surgery. This type of surgery involves correcting severe dental problems of the teeth, mouth, jaws and facial bones around the mouth. These are some of the procedures that are often performed during oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Extractions

Complex extractions are done by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. In many of these cases, there are severe abnormalities with the bones that the teeth are attached to. The teeth may have to be extracted so that the bones can be repaired and then the teeth are replaced with dental implants or prosthetics.

If this condition is not corrected, it can lead to extreme pain of the patient and the teeth may decay over time. If the bones need to be recontoured, only oral and maxillofacial surgery can help.

Dental Support

If a patient must begin wearing dentures or braces, the gums must be strong enough to support them and hold them in place. Unfortunately, patients who have been suffering with severe tooth decay for many years may also have damage to the tissues of the gums.

During oral and maxillofacial surgery, the bony and soft tissue of the gums can be built up and made strong enough to support dentures, braces or other dental prosthetics. This is often done by surgically inserting implants into the gums to make them much stronger.

Reconstruction

If a patient has received severe injuries to the teeth, gums, jaws and bones of the mouth, he or she may need to have reconstruction done by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. This commonly occurs to those who are involved in auto accidents or those who spend a lot of time in a boxing ring.

It only takes one strong blow to the mouth to cause extreme damage. If the bones of the mouth and under the gums are shattered, they will need to be reset or surgically fused together.

Some of these conditions may also occur due to aging or a having a tumor removed from the mouth or gums. Fortunately, dentists who specialize in oral and maxillofacial surgery can often correct these problems so the patient can chew, bite and speak naturally once again.

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