You can probably tell by the name that maxillofacial surgery has something to do with the face and front part of the head. “Maxillo” is a Latin word root that means “jawbone.”
Maxillofacial surgery is often seen as the bridge between medicine and dentistry.
Maxillofacial surgeons, sometimes called oral and maxillofacial surgeons, are trained to handle a wide variety of conditions and injuries that affect the head, neck, mouth, jaw, and face, including:
• Misaligned jaws
• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Oral reconstructive surgery
• Cancers of the head and neck
• Dental implants
In general, maxillofacial surgeons perform surgeries to correct problems or make cosmetic changes. These surgeries are generally outpatient procedures. They will also provide you with a course for recovery after the surgery and may offer follow-up appointments.
Maxillofacial Surgery in Panama
What is a Maxillofacial Surgeon?
A maxillofacial surgeon is a dental specialist with advanced medical knowledge regarding conditions affecting not only the teeth and jaws but also the bones and soft tissues of the face.
Because the mouth contains the teeth, is intricately connected with the jaws, and comprises an integral part of the face, the term oral and maxillofacial surgeon is often applied to these professionals.
These surgeons are also trained in anaesthesia and pain control, with a focus on anaesthesia that allows you to walk out of the office at the end of your appointment.
The specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery is unique in requiring a dual qualification in medicine and dentistry, followed by a comprehensive general and specialist surgical training.
When Do You Need Oral Surgery?
All maxillofacial surgeons are also oral surgeons, but not all oral surgeons are maxillofacial surgeons. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon has more advanced medical training than an oral surgeon and has the knowledge and certification to perform more procedures in more areas of the face.
Oral surgeons are so called because their practices are confined almost entirely to treating conditions within the mouth. The following are treatments that an oral surgeon can perform:
• Impacted Mandibular Third Molars
• Canine teeth
• Tumors and cysts
• Retained teeth
• Bichectomy
• Lingual, labial frenums
• Facial trauma
• Orthognathic surgery
Oral Surgeon -VS- Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon
At Clínica Dental Champsaur we have experienced oral surgeons and oral maxillofacial surgeons to treat your condition.
Oral Surgeons
General oral surgeons only take on certain types of procedures. They are skilled and knowledgeable about overall oral health and trained for correcting many dental issues. As such, oral surgeons often handle impacted wisdom teeth and eliminate any infection, pain, and swelling associated with it. They also work with patients who need options for saving or replacing teeth, such as root canals and dental crowns. Furthermore, they help fix fitting issues for a patient’s denture, or correct temporomandibular joint problems.
Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons
Oral maxillofacial surgeons are oral surgeons, but they have undergone additional training to address more complex dental and medical issues. These highly skilled surgeons have extensive training in dental medicine, often addressing problems associated with the head, mouth, jaws, and neck. Surgeons who have earned this designation have obtained a medical license, which allows them to properly administer anaesthesia and perform more extensive surgeries.
If you need more information about Maxillofacial Surgery in Panama, contact us.