Maxillofacial

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the face, jaw, mouth and skull. It involves a wide range of surgical procedures and treatments that aim to address issues affecting both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the oral and facial regions. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dental specialists who have undergone extensive training in both dentistry and surgery to provide comprehensive care for a variety of complex conditions.

Key areas that fall under the scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery include:

1. Oral Surgery: This encompasses procedures such as tooth extractions (including impacted wisdom teeth), dental implant placement, and corrective surgeries for dental and oral abnormalities.

2. Orthognathic Surgery: Also known as jaw surgery, this involves correcting skeletal discrepancies of the jaws to improve bite function, facial appearance and overall oral health.

3. Facial Trauma: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to treat facial injuries resulting from accidents, sports-related incidents or other traumatic events.

4. Facial Reconstruction: Surgeons can reconstruct facial features that have been damaged due to trauma, injury or congenital conditions.

5. TMJ Disorders: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw joint and surrounding areas. Oral surgeons can provide treatments to alleviate these issues.

6. Cleft Lip and Palate Repair: Surgeons play a crucial role in repairing cleft lip and palate conditions in both children and adults to improve speech, function and aesthetics.

7. Sleep Apnoea Treatment: Oral surgeons can offer surgical interventions to address obstructive sleep apnoea and related breathing disorders.

8. Benign Pathology: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons diagnose and treat benign growths, cysts and tumours of the oral and facial regions.

9. Reconstructive Surgery: Surgeons can restore facial form and function following cancer surgery, trauma or other medical conditions.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery plays a vital role in improving not only the physical well-being of patients but also their self-esteem and overall quality of life. These specialists work closely with other medical professionals, including dentists, orthodontists and medical doctors to provide comprehensive care for patients with a wide range of oral and facial health issues.