An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a specialist who performs surgeries related to the mouth, jaw, and face. These surgeons undergo extensive training to treat various issues involving the facial structures, including the teeth, gums, jaws, and surrounding tissues. Whether it’s removing wisdom teeth, correcting a misaligned jaw, or treating facial injuries, oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide vital care that affects appearance and function. But what exactly does an oral and maxillofacial surgeon do?

In this blog, we’ll explore the specific roles of oral and maxillofacial surgeons, the types of surgeries they perform, and the pathway to becoming one. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how these specialists improve the health and appearance of their patients.

What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis, surgery, and treatment of conditions related to the mouth, teeth, jaw, and face. These surgeons are trained to perform various procedures, from routine oral surgery, such as wisdom teeth removal, to more complex maxillofacial surgeries that involve correcting facial deformities or treating traumatic injuries. They also work closely with other medical professionals, including orthodontists, plastic surgeons, and general dentists, to ensure comprehensive patient care.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are sometimes referred to as oral or maxillofacial surgeons, but their full title highlights their expertise in dental and facial surgeries. The term “maxillofacial” refers to the upper jaw and face, areas that these surgeons are particularly skilled at treating.

The Education and Training of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Becoming an oral and maxillofacial surgeon requires an extensive educational and training pathway. The journey starts with completing a dental degree, followed by years of advanced education and medical training. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved in becoming a certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon:

1. Dental School: First, aspiring oral and maxillofacial surgeons must complete dental school and earn a dental degree (either a DDS or DMD). Dental school typically takes four years, and students focus on learning about oral health, dental procedures, and basic medical science.
2. Medical Degree: Future oral and maxillofacial surgeons enter a specialized residency program after dental school. This residency program typically lasts 4 to 6 years and includes medical education and surgical training. During this period, surgeons train in general surgery, anesthesia, and other medical disciplines such as internal medicine and plastic surgery.
3. Surgical Training: Throughout the residency, surgeons receive extensive training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, focusing on the head, neck, and facial structures. They perform surgeries in hospital settings under the supervision of experienced maxillofacial surgeons, gradually gaining more responsibility as their skills improve.
4. Certification: After residency completion, oral and maxillofacial surgeons must become board-certified. Certification requires passing written and oral exams that assess their knowledge and skills in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This certification ensures that the surgeon has met the highest standards in the field.
5. Specialization and Continuing Education: Many oral and maxillofacial surgeons choose to specialize further in areas like cosmetic facial surgery, reconstructive surgery, or facial trauma. They continue to participate in advanced education to stay current with new techniques and innovations in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Types of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeries

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform a wide range of surgical procedures, some relatively common, while others are more complex and specialized. Let’s look at some of the most common surgeries these surgeons perform.

1. Wisdom Teeth Removal

One of the most common procedures oral surgeons perform is removing wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth at the back of the mouth and often cause problems when they don’t have enough space to emerge properly. This can lead to pain, infection, and other dental issues. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are skilled in extracting these teeth, particularly in cases where the teeth are impacted or have grown at an angle.

2. Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)

Corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, is used to treat severe jaw misalignments. These misalignments can lead to difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing and may also cause facial disfigurement. Maxillofacial surgeons perform this surgery to realign the upper and lower jaws, improving both function and appearance. This type of surgery may be necessary for patients with congenital jaw deformities, trauma-related injuries, or conditions such as sleep apnea.

3. Dental Implants

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are highly trained in the placement of dental implants, which are artificial teeth used to replace missing or damaged teeth. Dental implants are often a better long-term solution than dentures or bridges because they provide a permanent, stable replacement for lost teeth. The surgery involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as a root for the artificial tooth. Over time, the bone fuses with the implant, providing a secure and natural-looking replacement.

4. Reconstructive Surgery for Facial Injuries

Facial injuries can result from accidents, sports injuries, or trauma. Maxillofacial surgeons are skilled in treating fractures and other facial injuries. These injuries can involve the bones of the face, such as the cheekbones, jaw, or nose, and may also include soft tissue damage like facial lacerations. Reconstructive surgery helps restore normal function and appearance, allowing patients to heal and regain their facial appearance and speech abilities.

5. Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery

Cleft lip and palate are congenital conditions with a gap or opening in the upper lip or roof of the mouth. These conditions can make it difficult for children to eat, speak, and breathe. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform surgeries to repair the cleft lip and palate, typically in infancy or early childhood. These surgeries help improve speech and eating function and provide a more natural facial appearance.

6. Cosmetic Facial Surgery

In addition to medical surgeries, some oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in cosmetic facial surgery. This may include procedures like facelift surgery, rhinoplasty (nose surgery), or eyelid surgery to enhance the appearance of the face. These surgeries are often sought for aesthetic reasons, and the goal is to improve facial appearance while maintaining natural-looking results.

7. Tumor and Neck Pathology Removal

Maxillofacial surgeons are also skilled in removing tumors or growths from the oral cavity, jaw, and neck. This may include both benign and malignant tumors. In some cases, these tumors may be linked to cancer, requiring a thorough and delicate surgical procedure. After the removal of the tumor, further treatments like radiation or chemotherapy may be necessary, and the oral surgeon may be involved in reconstructing the area to restore normal function.

8. Facial Laceration Repair

Facial lacerations, or cuts to the skin, are another area where oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide expertise. Accidents or injuries can cause these lacerations and may involve the face’s sensitive skin and underlying structures. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to repair these lacerations in a way that minimizes scarring and restores normal appearance.

Conclusion

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are essential healthcare professionals who specialize in treating mouth, jaw, and face conditions. Through their advanced training and expertise in oral and maxillofacial surgery, they perform a wide range of procedures that improve their patient’s health and appearance. From wisdom teeth removal and dental implants to complex surgeries like jaw alignment and facial injury repair, oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide life-changing treatments that enhance their patients’ quality of life.

If you are experiencing issues related to your mouth, jaw, or facial structures, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon may be the right professional to consult. Their extensive training and ability to handle complex surgeries ensure that patients receive the highest care possible. Whether it’s a routine oral surgery or a more involved maxillofacial procedure, these specialists are equipped to handle the diverse needs of their patients and help them return to normal, healthy functioning.

References

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/maxillofacial-surgery

https://www.aboms.org/news/what-oral-maxillofacial-surgeons-do-and-why-choose-board-certified#:~:text=OMS%20surgeons%20address%20complex%20facial,feel%20confident%20in%20their%20appearance.

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-maxillofacial-surgeon