What Does Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Treat?

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialized field of dentistry that addresses complex conditions affecting the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. This field can not only help manage diseases and disorders, but also correct injuries, defects, and damage, enhancing both function and appearance. As skilled and qualified prosthodontists, Sameet Sheth, DDS and Arpita Patel, DDS are experienced at addressing smile and jaw concerns to help enhance and maintain oral health. With advanced surgical procedures, they can help patients achieve a renewed smile appearance and improved dental function.

Some key conditions and procedures managed within this specialty include:

TMJ Disorders

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ Disorders or “TMD”) are conditions that affect the joint connecting the jaw to the skull. Symptoms can include jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and clicking sounds during jaw movement. While many cases of TMJ Disorder can be treated with non-surgical therapies, oral and maxillofacial surgery may be recommended (when necessary) to repair or realign the joint, helping to provide long-term relief.

Dental Implants

For patients missing one or more teeth, dental implants offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution. These procedures involve the surgical insertion of a titanium post into the jawbone, which serves as an anchor for a prosthetic replacement tooth. Dental implants can improve the appearance and functionality of a patient’s teeth, and these treatments require a detailed knowledge of facial structures.

Tooth Extraction

Surgical tooth extraction is a common procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery and is sometimes necessary when teeth are severely damaged, decayed, or impacted, such as wisdom teeth. The tooth must be carefully removed while minimizing impact to surrounding tissues, a task that demands precise surgical skill.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting may be necessary for patients with insufficient bone tissue in the jaw. This procedure involves adding bone or bone substitutes to augment or regenerate the jawbone. While bone grafting can address a number of concerns, it can be particularly beneficial as a pre-treatment for dental implants to create adequate bone density for support.

These complex procedures often require a dentist who is not just trained in general dentistry, but one who has also undergone additional years of training specifically in prosthodontics and/or oral and maxillofacial surgery. This advanced training is essential for managing the intricacies of facial anatomy and to increase the chances of safe and effective treatment outcomes.

For more information, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sheth or Dr. Patel, please contact our office today.