Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Surgery
Surgery performed to treat or correct certain oral disorders, and connected organs are known as oral and maxillofacial surgery. Defects, diseases, or injuries that affect the jaws, head, face, and neck are linked to the mouth. Maxillofacial is an internationally recognized surgical branch. It is among the nine specialties that are approved by the international dental associations. Oral surgeons in Alexandria, VA, efficiently transform and change the lives of individuals using the smile or the appearance of the dental formula. A smile is the most important aspect of every individual. Smiles contribute significantly towards making a great first impression, which is why it is important to make sure that your smile is sending the right message. A perfect smile boosts the self-esteem, confidence, and body image of an individual and the vice versa is also accurate.
Who are oral surgeons and implant specialists?
Prior to becoming an oral surgeon, one has to undergo the proper training in order to become one. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the only oral health specialists who have the proper surgical skills to perform surgical procedures by the time they finish their medical training in dental school. The oral and maxillofacial surgeons have to undergo surgical training as residents in a recognized health facility for at least four years. During the residency program, they practically train alongside other health specialists like general surgeons, anesthesia experts, internal medicine residents, plastic surgeons, and otolaryngology. The training of oral and maxillofacial surgeons emphasizes the soft and hard tissues found in the mouth, jaws, and face. They are trained to make physical examinations, diagnose and treat both functional and esthetic conditions affecting the face, jaws, mouth, and face. There is a wide range of conditions that are treated and various treatments used in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Corrective jaw surgery
Corrective jaw surgery is also commonly referred to as orthognathic surgery. This type of surgery is done on the chin and both the lower and upper jaw. The jaws and the chin may require to be repositioned in order to restore their normal functionality, to correct major or minor dental irregularities, and to correct major or minor skeletal irregularities. Some of these irregularities that need to be corrected include the misalignment of the jaw or teeth in order to restore normal functionality like breathing, speaking, or chewing. When the jaws or teeth are not properly aligned, the individual might have a tough time biting food, chewing with teeth, or even speaking normally. In some cases, the surgery may be performed to treat a preexisting condition like sleep apnea, which messes with the normal breathing pattern.
Cleft palate
When the fetus is developing during pregnancy, there are rare times when the oral and nasal organs do not develop proportionately as they should. When this occurs, it is commonly referred to as a cleft lip or cleft palate depending on the appearance and the affected area. The uneven development in these organs causes a gap or a split to occur in the lip at the mouth’s roof. The condition can be corrected by the use of surgery conducted by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, together with other health experts. Cleft palates need to be treated as they often cause individuals to have difficulties in speech, hearing, and eating. Depending on the severity of the condition, the treatment may be completed in several procedures or after a series of procedures performed over a period of time.