Dental implants have become one of the most reliable ways to replace missing teeth, but the success of the procedure depends heavily on the skill of the surgeon. Many patients feel unsure about whether they need a surgeon and how different dental professionals are important for implant treatment. This is where an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is important.
These specialists are trained to handle complex procedures involving the jaw, bone, and facial structures. Understanding how an oral and maxillofacial surgeon supports dental implants can help you feel more confident and informed before and after treatment.
Who Is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a specialized dentist who has undergone extensive, hospital-based training. They diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and defects involving the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, teeth, jaws, face, and neck.
They are qualified to handle tooth extractions, jaw corrections, facial trauma, and implant surgery. Their deep understanding of bone structure, nerves, and soft tissue makes them especially valuable when dental implants involve complications or require surgical precision.
Procedures in Maxillofacial Surgery
The following procedures are handled by a maxillofacial surgeon:
- Dental Implants
When teeth are missing or broken, they are replaced by dental implants. The replacement is done by a maxillofacial surgeon. A surgeon handles dental implants by surgically placing titanium posts into the jawbone to replace tooth roots, ensuring a secure foundation for new teeth. They manage the entire process, from evaluation and bone grafting to precise placement and overseeing osseointegration (fusion with bone) over 3-6 months.
- Tooth Extractions
Tooth extraction becomes necessary when a tooth is damaged beyond repair, heavily infected, causing overcrowding, or impacted, especially wisdom teeth. A surgeon handles tooth extraction by utilizing advanced techniques for both simple and complex cases.
It is often done under local anesthesia or sedation, starting with numbing the area, and then severing the periodontal ligaments with elevators. Complex cases involve surgical incisions, bone removal, or tooth sectioning to minimize trauma.
- Corrective Jaw Surgery
This surgery realigns misaligned upper and lower jaws to fix misaligned bites, improve chewing, speaking, breathing, and correct facial asymmetry. It is done alongside braces to achieve functional and aesthetic balance.
It involves repositioning jawbones to resolve issues from genetics or injury, with procedures for the upper and lower jaw, leading to improved function and appearance.
- Facial Trauma Surgery
Facial trauma surgery, or maxillofacial reconstruction, involves treating severe injuries to the face, jaw, and mouth, such as broken bones, deep lacerations, and damaged structures. OMFS restores facial function, such as breathing, speaking, chewing, and appearance, using techniques like open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), where titanium plates and screws fix fractures.
What to Expect During a Visit
- Your first visit typically focuses on evaluation and education.
- The surgeon reviews your dental and medical history, examines your mouth, and discusses your goals.
- You can expect clear explanations of the recommended procedures, timelines, and recovery process.
- Imaging may be taken, and treatment options will be discussed in a way that helps you understand each step.
- If surgery is planned, you’ll receive instructions on how to prepare, including eating, medications, and recovery expectations.
