Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – Bradentonorthodontics

Oral and maxillofacial surgery addresses a broad spectrum of diseases, injuries, and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws, and the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. Recognized by the American Dental Association as one of the nine dental specialties, it deals with complex craniofacial cases that require expert surgical intervention.

Oral Surgeons: Changing Lives with a Smile

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons undergo extensive training after dental school, completing at least four years in an ADA-accredited hospital-based residency. They train alongside medical residents in internal medicine, general surgery, anesthesiology, and specialties such as otolaryngology and plastic surgery. This training is dedicated to the hard and soft tissue of the face, mouth, and jaws, equipping surgeons to handle both functional and aesthetic issues effectively.

Conditions and Treatments Offered by Oral Surgeons

Corrective Jaw Surgery: This surgery corrects skeletal and dental irregularities, including misaligned jaws and teeth. It improves chewing, speaking, and breathing and is indicated by symptoms like difficulty chewing or biting, excessive tooth wear, and more.
Wisdom Teeth Management: Often, wisdom teeth become impacted and need removal to prevent dental complications like decay and gum disease.
Cleft Palate Repair: Surgeons correct cleft lips and palates, addressing gaps that interfere with feeding, speech, and hearing.
Facial Trauma Repair: They treat injuries to the facial structure, which can involve fractures to the lower and upper jaw, cheekbones, and around the eyes, essential for restoring function and appearance.
Temporomandibular Joint Surgery (TMJ): For patients with TMJ disorders, treatment can range from non-surgical therapies to complex surgeries depending on the severity of joint damage.
Oral Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: Surgeons perform biopsies to diagnose oral cancer, offering comprehensive care for affected patients.
Dental Implants: These are long-term solutions for missing teeth, designed to fuse with bone and provide a stable foundation for artificial teeth.
Outpatient Anesthesia: Oral surgeons are trained to administer a variety of anesthesia options safely, ensuring patient comfort during surgical procedures.

These surgeons are pivotal in treating complex dental issues, significantly enhancing patients’ quality of life through advanced surgical care.