Who Performs Surgery on the Teeth Mouth and Jaw? | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Have you ever wondered who performs surgery on your teeth, mouth, or jaw? Maybe you’re experiencing pain or discomfort and unsure who to turn to. Fear not, because we’ve got you covered! This article explores the world of oral and maxillofacial surgeons and what they do. From wisdom tooth extractions to complex jaw surgeries, these highly skilled professionals are here to help you maintain a healthy and pain-free smile. So please sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the fascinating world of oral surgery!

Who Performs Surgery on the Teeth, Mouth, and Jaw?

Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons typically perform teeth, mouth, and jaw surgery. These professionals are specially trained to diagnose and treat various conditions affecting oral and facial regions.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are licensed dentists who have completed an additional four to six years of surgical training after dental school. They undergo extensive training in medicine and dentistry and are well-versed in the complexities of the head, neck, and facial structures.

Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons

Here are some of the different types of procedures that oral and maxillofacial surgeons may perform:

Tooth extraction: Oral surgeons can perform simple or complex extractions, including wisdom teeth removal.
Dental implant placement: If you need to replace one or more missing teeth, an oral surgeon can place dental implants.
Jaw surgery: Oral surgeons can perform corrective jaw surgery to treat misaligned jaws, sleep apnea, and TMJ disorders.
Facial trauma: Oral surgeons are often called upon to treat facial injuries resulting from accidents or other traumatic events.
Cleft lip and palate surgery: Oral surgeons may work as part of a team to perform reconstructive surgery for individuals born with cleft lip or palate.
Oral cancer diagnosis and treatment: Oral surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat oral cancer, including performing biopsies and removing tumors.

Overall, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are crucial in maintaining individuals’ oral and facial health. Suppose you are experiencing oral or facial pain or discomfort or need any of the abovementioned procedures. Consulting with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for expert care is essential in that case.

Common Oral Surgery Procedures

Oral surgery procedures are designed to treat a wide range of conditions affecting the teeth, mouth, and jaw. Here are some of the most common oral surgery procedures list:

Tooth Extraction: This is one of the most common oral surgery procedures. It is often performed to remove wisdom teeth that are impacted or have not fully erupted. Tooth extraction may also be necessary for teeth that are severely decayed, infected, or damaged.
Dental implant placement: If you need to replace one or more missing teeth, an oral surgeon can place dental implants.
Jaw Surgery: Corrective jaw surgery may be necessary for individuals with misaligned jaws or teeth that do not fit together properly. Jaw surgery can also help treat sleep apnea and TMJ disorders.
Biopsies: Oral surgeons may perform biopsies to diagnose oral cancer or other types of oral pathology. A small tissue sample is removed during a biopsy and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Root Canal Therapy: A root canal may sometimes be necessary to treat an infected or inflamed tooth. During this procedure, the oral surgeon removes the infected or inflamed pulp from the tooth and seals it to prevent further infection.
Bone Grafting: If you are missing teeth, you may not have enough bone in your jaw to support dental implants. In such cases, bone grafting may be necessary. During this procedure, bone is taken from another part of your body or a donor and implanted in your jaw.
TMJ Treatment: TMJ disorders can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. Oral surgeons may use various techniques to treat TMJ disorders, including surgery, medication, and physical therapy.
Cleft Lip and Palate Repair: Oral surgeons may work with a team of specialists to perform surgery to repair cleft lip and palate in infants and children.

Overall, oral surgery procedures are designed to treat a wide range of conditions affecting the teeth, mouth, and jaw. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort or need any of the procedures mentioned above, it is important to consult with an oral surgeon for expert care.

Maxillofacial Surgery Procedures

Maxillofacial surgery is a specialized field of dentistry that involves diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of conditions affecting the oral and facial regions. Here are some of the most common maxillofacial surgery procedures list:

Orthognathic surgery: This is a corrective jaw surgery that helps to correct skeletal abnormalities in the jaw and face, which can cause issues such as difficulty chewing, speaking, and breathing.
Wisdom teeth removal: Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are often removed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. These teeth can cause various issues, such as pain, infections, and crowding of other teeth.
Dental implants: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons often perform dental implant surgery, which involves the placement of a metal post into the jawbone that serves as an anchor for an artificial tooth.
Biopsies: Oral surgeons may perform biopsies to diagnose oral cancer or other types of oral pathology. A small tissue sample is removed during a biopsy and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Facial trauma surgery: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons may also be called upon to repair facial injuries caused by accidents or trauma.
Cleft lip and palate repair: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons work with a team of specialists to perform surgery to repair cleft lip and palate in infants and children.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery: TMJ disorders can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. Oral surgeons may use various techniques to treat TMJ disorders, including surgery, medication, and physical therapy.
Sleep apnea surgery: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons may perform surgery to treat sleep apnea, which is a condition that causes a person to stop breathing during sleep.

Overall, oral and maxillofacial surgery is a critical specialty in dentistry, providing patients with expert care for various conditions affecting the oral and facial regions. If you are experiencing any issues with your teeth, mouth, or jaw, consulting with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon may be the best course of action to help you regain your oral health and well-being.

What Doctor Should You See for Mouth Problems?

If you are experiencing problems with your mouth, several different types of doctors may be able to help you, depending on the nature of your condition. Here are some examples:

Dentist: If you are experiencing issues with your teeth or gums, a dentist is typically the first doctor you should see. Dentists are trained to diagnose and treat various oral health problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth sensitivity.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon: If you require more specialized care, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon may be able to help. These specialists are trained in both dentistry and medicine, and they can perform a range of surgical procedures to correct issues with the jaw, teeth, and facial bones.
Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor: If you are experiencing issues with your throat or vocal cords, an ENT doctor may be able to help. These specialists are trained to diagnose and treat hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and throat cancer.
Dermatologist: If you have sores or other skin issues in or around your mouth, a dermatologist may be able to help. These doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions.
General practitioner: If you are experiencing more general symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, or weight loss, you may want to start by seeing a general practitioner. They can help to determine if your symptoms are related to an underlying medical condition and refer you to a specialist if necessary.

Overall, the type of doctor you should see for mouth problems depends on the nature of your condition. If you are unsure which kind of doctor to see, you can start by consulting with your primary care physician or a dentist, who can help guide you to the appropriate specialist.

Do Dentists Do Mouth Surgery?

Yes, dentists can perform certain types of mouth surgery. However, the extent to which they can perform surgical procedures depends on their training and expertise.

General dentists are typically trained to perform minor surgical procedures such as tooth extractions, root canals, and gum surgeries. They may also be able to perform simple cosmetic procedures such as placing dental implants or performing minor oral surgeries.

However, more complex surgical procedures, such as jaw surgery or reconstructive surgery, may require the expertise of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. These specialists have advanced training in medicine and dentistry and are equipped to perform various surgical procedures related to the mouth, teeth, and jaw.

It’s important to note that dentists and oral surgeons work collaboratively to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients. If you require surgical treatment for a dental or oral health issue, your dentist may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who can provide specialized care.

Is Jaw Surgery Medical or Dental?

Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a type of surgery that involves correcting skeletal abnormalities in the jaw and face. It is typically performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons trained in medicine and dentistry.

While jaw surgery falls under the umbrella of oral and maxillofacial surgery, a dental specialty, it is considered a medical procedure. This is because the surgery is typically performed in a hospital or surgical center and involves general anesthesia.

Additionally, jaw surgery is often performed to treat medical conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea or TMJ disorders, which can significantly impact a person’s overall health and well-being.

Overall, jaw surgery is a complex procedure requiring specialized training in medicine and dentistry. If you are considering jaw surgery, it is important to consult with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who can evaluate your individual needs and provide you with the best possible care.

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