Lots of people have misconceptions about maxillofacial surgeons. Some might think they only dabble in one type of oral surgery, or some might not even know what maxillofacial means. The short of it is that a dental doctor who performs maxillofacial surgery is a specialist who works in diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases all around the face. That includes the neck, face, jaws, and the hard and soft tissues in our mouths.
While that could sound like one too many areas to specialize in, a maxillofacial oral surgeon receives training in both dentistry and medicine while attending school. This dual training allows them to have a deeper understanding of our facial anatomy and how everything connects.
But when should you visit one? In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common reasons patients visit a local maxillofacial dental doctor.
Maxillofacial Surgeons Help with Wisdom Teeth Troubles
If you or someone in your family is dealing with wisdom teeth that have breached the surface of the gums or long-term complications from impacted wisdom teeth, a consultation with a skilled maxillofacial surgeon will help clear things up.
Dental surgeons specializing in maxillofacial surgery are equipped with the know-how and tools to tackle pain, swelling, and infection from impacted wisdom teeth. Oftentimes, there’s not enough room in our mouths for wisdom teeth to successfully come in without interference. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when part of the tooth is trapped underneath the gums, leading to possible cysts, infections, and inflammation.
With their anatomical knowledge, oral surgeons working in maxillofacial dentistry are adept at working with the intricacies of wisdom teeth removal.
Facial Injuries and Trauma are No Match for Maxillofacial Dental Surgeons
It’s a sad fact of life: accidents happen, and sometimes they come with facial trauma, fractured facial bones, and more. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you’re dealing with major facial injuries or trauma, that maxillofacial surgeon down the road can help get things right again.
When dealing with facial fractures, they’re dissimilar to an arm or a leg and can’t be casted. A maxillofacial dentist uses rigid fixation—small plates and titanium screws—to realign and stabilize any fractured bones.
They can even assist in restoring dislocated jaws. As the name suggests, a dislocated jaw occurs when the lower jaw pops out of its socket. And yeah, it’s painful. Thankfully, experienced surgeons who practice maxillofacial dentistry can reset the jaw back in its socket, in some cases with the aid of dental sedation.
The goal in these types of scenarios is for the maxillofacial surgeon to restore both form and functionality to the affected facial areas, including the jaw and mouth. Maxillofacial surgery is just as much about the aesthetics as it is practicality and restoring critical functions for a normal quality of life.
Other Problems That Benefit from Seeing a Maxillofacial Surgeon
With the scope of their field, maxillofacial dentists are skilled in fixing a bunch of issues. While facial trauma and impacted wisdom teeth are just a couple, they can also help with:
- TMJ disorders and jaw pain
- Dental implants
- Corrective jaw surgery for underbites/overbites
- Bone grafting
- Complex tooth extractions
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Scheduling a consultation with a maxillofacial oral surgeon in the area is the first step to treating your issue. Prior to your first appointment, bring the following items:
- Relevant medical history
- Medication lists
- Allergies (food, medication)
- Previous dental records
- Insurance information
Before meeting your maxillofacial dentist for the first time, you might also want to jot down a handful of questions you have about the procedure or the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Once at your appointment, your local doctor who works in maxillofacial dentistry will give you a comprehensive oral and/or facial examination. This involves assessing things like jaw movement, areas of concern, and inspecting the mouth, teeth, gums, and tissues. Your surgeon might also bring you back for x-rays around the area where you’re experiencing troubles.
Once the diagnostic imaging and examinations are over, the maxillofacial surgeon will explain in layman’s terms what their findings are and how they relate to the symptoms you’re experiencing. Following this and any other questions you may have, the surgeon will help schedule a follow-up appointment and will discuss estimated costs and insurance coverage.
If you’re experiencing any of the above issues, don’t wait—a caring and compassionate maxillofacial surgeon is just around the corner waiting to help.
