Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the treatment of problems affecting the mouth, teeth, gums, jaws and related facial structures. Procedures are often performed on patients with skeletal and dental irregularities that occur as a result of congenital defects, injury, disease or other factors. Maxillofacial surgery is also performed to treat patients with oral cancer or jaw cysts.
Patients with these conditions may have an abnormal or unbalanced facial appearance, and may have difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking due to their jaw irregularities. The goal of oral and maxillofacial surgery is to treat the problem and achieve the most aesthetically pleasing result possible.
Candidates for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Candidates for oral and maxillofacial surgery typically include individuals experiencing impacted wisdom teeth, those requiring facial reconstructions due to congenital issues or trauma, patients with severe dental decay or tooth loss, and those suffering from temporomandibular joint disorders. It is also suitable for patients with tumors or cysts in the oral cavity and those needing corrective jaw surgery to address alignment problems.
Depending on the condition and surgical repair necessary, oral maxillofacial surgeons may work together with plastic surgeons to achieve the best results for each patient.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeries
- Wisdom Tooth Removal: This standard procedure addresses issues caused by impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth, leading to pain, infection, and other dental problems. The removal helps prevent damage to surrounding teeth and alleviates discomfort.
- Tooth Extractions: Beyond wisdom teeth, extractions may be necessary for teeth that are severely decayed, damaged, or cause overcrowding. This service is vital for maintaining oral health and preparing for other treatments like orthodontics.
- Placement of Dental Implants: Dental implants replace missing teeth, offering a durable and natural-looking solution. They are anchored into the jawbone and topped with a crown, providing the function and appearance of natural teeth.
- Reconstructive Jaw Surgery: This surgery corrects skeletal and dental irregularities, improving jaw alignment and function. It is often performed to correct congenital conditions, facial trauma, or developmental abnormalities.
- Bone Grafting: Essential for patients with insufficient bone to support dental implants, this procedure involves augmenting the jawbone using grafts. This is crucial for implant stability and longevity.
- Surgical Correction of Oral and Facial Deformities: Procedures in this category address aesthetic and functional issues arising from birth defects, developmental abnormalities, or trauma. They aim to restore normal function and appearance.
- Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ): These treatments alleviate pain and restore function in the jaw joint and muscles involved in jaw movement. Depending on the severity, options vary from minimally invasive therapies to more complex surgeries.
- Surgical Repair of Traumatic Injury: This service focuses on reconstructing facial features damaged by accidents or injuries. The goal is to restore function and aesthetic appearance, often involving multiple surgeries.
- Surgical Repair of Damage Caused by Cancers and Oral Diseases: These surgeries remove cancerous growths or tissue damaged by disease while attempting to preserve or restore as much function and appearance as possible.
Recovery from Surgery
Recovery times can vary based on the complexity of the procedure and individual patient factors. Generally, minor surgeries like tooth extractions might require a few days of rest and pain management, while more invasive procedures like reconstructive jaw surgery could necessitate weeks of recovery. Post-operative care is crucial and typically involves follow-up appointments, pain management, dietary adjustments, and instructions on oral hygiene to ensure proper healing.
If you believe you might benefit from oral and maxillofacial surgery or are experiencing any of the symptoms or conditions mentioned, don’t hesitate to contact Carolina Dental Care. Dr. Andrew Spiguzza is a renowned dentist specializing in reconstructive and surgical procedures for over 30 years. Take the first step towards improving your oral health and overall well-being by calling 843-756-2273 to schedule an appointment with us today.
