What is oral and maxillofacial surgery?

Oral facial surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries that affect the mouth, teeth, jaws, head, and neck.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is not exclusively for adults. Children may also require surgical procedures in this specialty.

Frequent procedures in oral and maxillofacial surgery

Among the most common procedures performed by this specialty are tooth extraction, removal of cysts and tumors from the mouth and jaw, placement of dental implants, correction of abnormal bites, apicoectomy, and jaw surgery.

Extraction

Oral facial surgery

(tooth extraction) Is one of the most frequent procedures performed in this specialty. Sometimes the teeth are so affected that they must be extracted to prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of the mouth. In other cases, the teeth can be extracted to facilitate space in orthodontic treatments or in the placement of dental implants.

The placement of dental implants

Oral facial surgery

Is another frequent procedure that requires intervention in the jaw bone to locate the prosthesis safely.

Reconstructive jaw surgery

Oral facial surgery

Is a more complex procedure that involves repairing the jaw after injury or disease. This type of surgery may be necessary to treat injury or trauma resulting from other conditions, such as jaw cancer. This surgery can significantly improve a person’s quality of life and rehabilitate jaw function.

The correction of

Oral facial surgery

congenital facial deformities is another important area of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Some children are born with facial deformities that can affect their ability to breathe, speak, or eat. This specialty of dentistry makes it possible to change these conditions and improve the person’s quality of life.

Other diagnoses covered by oral and maxillofacial surgery are impacted wisdom teeth, and traumatic injuries, such as fractures of the jaw or facial bones.

In addition, it is a therapeutic alternative to improve facial aesthetics and correct problems such as a protruding jaw or a weak chin. These procedures can also solve functional and respiratory problems, such as sleep apnea.

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Recovery and postoperative care

Oral facial surgery

Recovery time varies, according to the complexity of the intervention

Recovery from an intervention of this type requires not using tobacco or alcohol, as this can delay recovery.

To manage inflammation and reduce it in less time, cold compresses can be applied to the affected area.

After oral or maxillofacial surgery, a soft diet at room temperature is generally followed. Straws should not be used for beverage consumption. Nor is it pertinent to consume hard, crunchy, or rubbery foods.

Instead of brushing the teeth, language should be done with salt water, several times a day. This helps kill bacteria.

It is essential to follow the surgeon’s instructions to facilitate the best results.

Conclusion

Where to find the ideal oral and maxillofacial surgeon?

Oral and maxillofacial surgery offers therapeutic alternatives for the management of different diagnoses related to the mouth, teeth, jaws, head, and neck. The complexity of the different surgical interventions covered by the specialty requires that the procedures be performed by trained and experienced professionals.

Our directory offers you a wide range of care alternatives in the area. If you need to consult a case and define whether surgical intervention is necessary, consult this guidance tool that allows you to find the best alternative, according to your expectations.

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