Oral and maxillofacial surgery is considered to be a type of specialty in dentistry. There are many reasons that a patient may need to undergo oral surgery. Usually a general dentist, doctor, or orthodontist will refer a dental patient to an oral surgeon. Here are some examples of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Gilbert AZ.
When a patient needs a dental implant to replace a lost tooth, they will be referred to an oral surgeon. A dentist who specializes in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Gilbert AZ would be responsible for reconstructing the bone in the area where the dental implant will be placed. They may also modify any gum tissue necessary around the affected area of the dental implant to make the repaired smile look more natural and attractive. Sometimes the oral surgeon will work with the patient’s current dentist or cosmetic surgeon to plan the procedure to achieve the patient’s desired final look.
If a patient requires the removal of impacted, diseased, or infected teeth, they may need Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Gilbert AZ. An oral surgeon can remove the affected teeth and administer the anesthesia during the procedure. This could either be intravenous, or IV sedation, as well as general anesthesia. Oral surgeons may also repair and treat facial trauma including minor to severe facial lacerations, setting fractured jaws or facial bone, and reconnecting nerves that have been severed. They may also treat cysts, facial tumors, and patient with malignant head, oral or neck cancer.
Another type of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Gilbert AZ is surgical treatment for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a very serious sleep condition that can cause a patient to stop breathing during the night. Many dentists will first refer a sleep apnea patient to a sleep clinic to determine the severity of the disorder. If non-surgical attempts at treatment such as masks and behavioral modification are not successful, the oral surgeon can perform one of three procedures to correct the apnea. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty stiffens and shorten’s the patient’s soft palate. Genioglossus advancement opens the breathing passage by tightening the tongue. Maxillomandibular advancement move both parts of the jaw forward to open up the airway.
