Oral and maxillofacial surgeon

(OR-ul ... MAK-sih-loh-FAY-shul SER-jun) A dentist who has special training in surgery of the mouth, face, and jaw.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are specialized surgeons who diagnose and treat a wide spectrum of diseases, injuries, and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws, and the hard and soft tissues of the oral (mouth) and maxillofacial (jaws and face) region. They are unique among dental specialists in their extensive training in surgery of the mouth, face, and jaws.

Overview

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons undergo rigorous and extensive training and education, enabling them to perform a wide range of procedures from minor to complex surgeries. They treat issues such as impacted teeth, dental implants, facial trauma, jaw misalignment, and oral cancer.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Impacted Teeth Removal: Including wisdom tooth extraction.
• Dental Implants: Placing dental implants and reconstructing bone as needed.
• Corrective Jaw Surgery: Treating facial trauma or congenital abnormalities affecting jaw alignment.
• Facial Trauma Surgery: Repairing facial injuries, including fractures of the jaw and facial bones.
• Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery: Correcting congenital deformities of the face and mouth.
• Oral Pathology: Diagnosing and treating oral diseases, including oral cancer.

Education and Training

• Dental Degree: A Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
• Residency Training: A 4-6 year residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
• Board Certification: Optional certification by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Subspecialties

• Cosmetic Facial Surgery: Focusing on improving facial aesthetics.
• Craniofacial Surgery: Addressing congenital anomalies of the craniofacial skeleton.
• Pediatric Maxillofacial Surgery: Specializing in treating children.
• Reconstructive Surgery: Restoring function and appearance after trauma or disease.

Practice Settings

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons work in:

• Private practices
• Hospitals
• Dental schools
• Outpatient clinics

Professional Organizations

• The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) is a major professional organization providing guidance and support to its members.

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Conclusion

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons play a critical role in dental and facial healthcare, offering a wide range of surgical services that go beyond the scope of general dentistry, enhancing patient care in facial, oral, and maxillofacial conditions.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Resources
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