Oral, dental, and maxillofacial surgery is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, surgical treatment, and management of conditions related to the oral cavity, teeth, jaws, and face. It encompasses a wide range of procedures, including tooth extractions, jaw surgery, dental implant placement, and treatment of facial injuries.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dentists who have completed an additional four to six years of specialized training in surgery, anesthesia, and general medicine. They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of oral and facial conditions, including impacted wisdom teeth, facial deformities, oral cancer, and trauma to the mouth and face.
One of the most common procedures performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons is tooth extraction, which may be necessary if a tooth is damaged or decayed beyond repair, or if it is causing overcrowding in the mouth. They may also perform surgery to correct jaw and facial deformities, such as a cleft palate or a misaligned jaw.
Another important aspect of oral and maxillofacial surgery is the placement of dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots that are used to support replacement teeth. This procedure involves surgically placing a small titanium post into the jawbone, which then fuses with the bone over time to provide a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.