Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specialists who perform work in the face and jaw region. These surgeons typically have additional training in dentistry or general medicine because of how widely conditions in the head and neck area can vary. Procedures by such a specialist ranges from relatively timid to very serious; oral and maxillofacial surgery might be required if any of the following conditions are present:
- Head or neck cancer
- Cosmetic facial surgery
- Craniofacial surgery
- Pediatric Maxillofacial surgery
- Cleft surgery
- Head and neck trauma
- Head and neck reconstruction/regeneration
- TMJ (a jaw joint disorder)
Most commonly, surgery would be required for a benign cyst or tumor, a chronic head or neck disorder, or a surgical treatment of sleep apnea or TMJ. Severely impacted teeth, difficult tooth extractions, and dental implants that cannot be performed by a dentist may also require the assistance of an oral and maxillofacial specialist. Bone-anchored hearing aids and cochlear implants are other procedures that these specialists may perform.
The earlier the diagnosis of a head or neck complication can be made, the earlier effective treatment can be performed. If you’re experiencing a chronic pain in the head or neck area, please call our practice today to make your appointment, and let us do what we can to help you return to a pain-free, normal life.