Categories: Oral Surgery

What Is Maxillofacial Surgery?

Maxillofacial surgery treats issues related to oral health; this includes addressing functional and cosmetic concerns as well. Maxillofacial surgeons go through extensive education and training and choose to specialize in treating more advanced dental concerns that require surgical intervention to properly address.

Maxillofacial surgery: here is what you need to know

Maxillofacial surgery may be necessary to treat more severe oral health problems. The following review discusses maxillofacial surgery, including an explanation of what it is, the different types of surgeries, its safety, and more.

Maxillofacial surgery explained

It may seem like a complex term, but maxillofacial surgery simply refers to surgery related to the lower part of the face (like the jaw, teeth, gums, etc.). In fact, the term “maxilla” means jawbone in Latin, so maxillofacial is a way of describing the jaw and surrounding facial areas, including teeth. A maxillofacial surgeon is a dental specialist who can surgically treat a range of dental-related matters.

The different types of maxillofacial surgeries

Maxillofacial surgery is a relatively broad term that includes a range of different surgery types. While the term “maxilla” technically refers to the jawbone, maxillofacial surgeons can treat issues related to teeth and soft tissues as well. Some of the more common types of surgical procedures that a maxillofacial surgeon may perform include:

  • Dental implant placement
  • Tooth extractions (including wisdom teeth)
  • Oral reconstructive surgery
  • Bone graft procedure
  • Sinus lift procedure
  • Jaw realignment

Of course, the above list includes only a few of the many possible procedures a maxillofacial surgeon may offer. Additional procedures may also include treatment for cleft palate, chronic facial pain, cancer (to remove a tumor), and more.

The safety and efficacy of maxillofacial surgery

Every surgical procedure has risks and requires recovery. Some of the risks are related to the anesthesia that is administered. Each procedure also has specific risks as well. However, maxillofacial surgery is safe overall, and severe complications are rare for most types of procedures.

The recovery process after maxillofacial surgery

As mentioned, most maxillofacial surgeries require recovery, which can take anywhere from a few days to more than a week depending on the type of procedure and its invasiveness. The oral surgeon should provide aftercare instructions to reduce the risk of an oral infection and make the recovery process as short and simple as possible.

When to consider maxillofacial surgery

After examination of dental X-rays and other diagnostic tests, a maxillofacial surgeon (or another type of dental professional) can explain all treatment options and their risks to the patient. Surgery may be the best option if non-surgical methods have not or are not able to help the patient meet their goals.

Maxillofacial surgery is a way to address a range of oral concerns

You can connect with our oral surgery team today by phone or message to set up a consultation visit. Whether you have a referral from your dentist for oral surgery or are considering maxillofacial surgery in general, we look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve your treatment goals.

Request an appointment here: https://www.northsideoms.com or call Northside Minnesota Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons at (763) 284-3159 for an appointment in our Coon Rapids office.

Related Posts

How To Choose The Best Oral Surgeon For Your Needs

Searching for the most knowledgeable and skilled oral surgeon in your area can be challenging. But if you find the right dental care provider, you can achieve the enhancements that you want or need. Finding the right provider will need a little effort. Here are some tips you must consider for choosing the oral surgeon…

Understanding Oral Pathology: Key Insights For Patients

The American Dental Association defines oral pathology as a field of dentistry that deals with the illnesses of the mouth. Identifying and managing these diseases is crucial in achieving oral and general health. Understanding this type of pathology can prepare you for your treatment. Here are the key insights patients like you must consider about…

The Importance Of Getting Tooth Extractions From An Oral Surgeon

Sometimes, tooth extractions may be necessary to improve your oral health. This procedure is a type of oral surgery. That is why getting this procedure from an experienced dental professional is ideal. Here are the details about the importance of getting tooth extractions from an oral surgeon.An oral surgeon will perform a complete assessment of…

Maxillofacial Surgery For TMJ Disorders: Restoring Comfort And Function

TMJ disorders cause chronic pain and discomfort. Fortunately, an oral surgeon may perform maxillofacial surgery to treat these disorders, relieving pain and restoring mobility to the jaw. These procedures can also enhance the jaw's appearance. Find lasting comfort and improved jaw function with the help of maxillofacial surgery from an oral surgeon.These jaw disorders are…

Northside Minnesota Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

Share
Published by
Northside Minnesota Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

Recent Posts

How to Choose the Best Oral Surgeon for Your Needs

The ideal oral surgeon must have extensive experience. This is how the provider uses the…

2 weeks ago

Understanding Oral Pathology: Key Insights for Patients

Oral pathology spots and treats diseases affecting the mouth and the areas surrounding it. This…

1 month ago

The Importance of Getting Tooth Extractions From an Oral Surgeon

Sometimes, tooth extractions may be necessary to improve your oral health. This procedure is a…

2 months ago

Maxillofacial Surgery for TMJ Disorders: Restoring Comfort and Function

TMJ disorders cause chronic pain and discomfort. Fortunately, an oral surgeon may perform maxillofacial surgery…

3 months ago

Consult an Implant Specialist to Enhance Your Smile

Seeing an implant specialist can give you a brand-new, natural-looking smile. Here are some questions…

4 months ago

Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Require Invasive Surgery From an Oral Surgeon?

You might have heard the term “wisdom tooth extraction” often. However, you might not know…

5 months ago