Oral maxillofacial surgeons focus on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the mouth, jaw, face, and neck.
This includes cancer, facial deformities, teeth surgery, oral medicine, craniofacial trauma, and cosmetic surgery.
Here’s everything you need to know about oral maxillofacial surgery, including how to tell if you need it and how to start treatment.
What does an oral maxillofacial surgeon do?
Oral maxillofacial surgeons treat the bones and tissue on the jaw, lower face, roof of the mouth, and teeth to improve jaw function and relieve pain.
They address a variety of dental problems, including:
- Chronic dental pain
- Tooth Extractions
- Treating oral diseases
- Preparing the mouth for implants and prostheses
Oral maxillofacial surgery also treats jaw problems such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, abnormal bites, bone transplants, and trauma injuries.
Do I need oral maxillofacial surgery?
Oral maxillofacial surgery is recommended to:
- Correct congenital abnormalities (like a cleft lip and palate)
- Diagnose and treat cysts, tumours, cancer, and growths
- Diagnose chronic pain
- Treat facial injuries
While oral maxillofacial surgery can be used for more serious concerns, patients also choose to undergo the procedure for aesthetic reasons. Extracting teeth can create a more evenly spaced, well-proportioned smile that better suits the facial structure of the patient.
Many patients visiting an oral maxillofacial surgeon have been referred by their dentist after experiencing chronic pain or after scans that highlight abnormalities in the face, jaw, and mouth.
The best way to find out if you need oral maxillofacial surgery is by booking an appointment with your dentist. From here, they can carry out a full assessment and find the root of your problems, before recommending the most suitable treatment.
Contact us today for an oral surgery consultation with a member of our dental team.
Benefits of oral maxillofacial surgery
The benefits of oral maxillofacial surgery are dependent on the patient’s reasons for undergoing the procedure.
While it can improve the appearance of the jaw and lower face, it also reduces pain and tension that are caused by an abnormality, infection, or misaligned teeth.
Fixing these issues can also improve the function of the mouth – eating, drinking, talking, and smiling will be a lot easier after surgery. Not only will this increase comfort levels, but it will also have a knock-on effect on the patient’s confidence, making them feel more relaxed in social situations.
Oral maxillofacial surgery at Highland View
If you have one of the previously mentioned problems present in your face, teeth, or jaw, it’s time to see a specialist.
Our trained team here at Highland View has the knowledge and resources to perform oral maxillofacial surgery. Including experience as sedation dentists in Essex and tooth extraction in Essex.
Book an appointment today to meet with one of our surgeons for a full assessment and treatment plan.
Call us on 01708 707050 (Hornchurch) or 01702 553535 (Leigh-on-Sea) to speak to a member of our team directly.
Or book an appointment online at Hornchurch or Leigh-on-Sea – simply click on the date and time that best suits you and input your contact details.
