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If your doctor or dentist has referred you to see an oral or maxillofacial surgeon, it could be for any number of reasons. At one end of the spectrum, you may need teeth extracted or be seeking dental implants. In more complex cases, you may be dealing with facial reconstructive surgery or bone erosion along the jawline due to missing teeth. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are expert medical professionals that specialize in face, mouth, and jaw surgery. What kind of training does an oral and maxillofacial surgeon receive? According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, there are more than 9000 practicing oral surgeons in the United States. These face, mouth, and jaw surgical experts represent the only members of the American Dental Association that are recognized in the oral surgery specialty. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons attend dental school. After the completion of these four year programs, they go on to obtain additional rigorous training. Dental school graduates (DMDs) take a four- to seven-year course of study in the form of a hospital-based residency and additional courses. Longer courses offer double degree programs that also grant a medical doctor degree (MD) upon completion. During this course of study, aspiring surgeons train alongside specialists focused on internal medicine, anesthesiology, and general surgical techniques. Students are also exposed to the latest techniques and research in ear, nose and throat medicine, plastic surgery, and emergency medicine. After board certification, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are required to complete ongoing professional education and submit to periodic anesthesia evaluations to ensure they are using the latest protocols and approaches. What kind of medical care do oral and maxillofacial surgeons offer? Qualified oral surgeons conduct a wide range of advanced surgical procedures, from tooth extractions to bone grafting. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common services they offer: * Tooth extraction * Specialized wisdom tooth extraction * Dental implant procedures, ranging from traditional implants to the latest “tooth in a day” systems * Treating facial injuries, ranging from fractures of the facial bones to lacerations of the skin and soft tissue of the face, jaw, and mouth * Surgery to correct misaligned jaws and teeth * Cosmetic surgery * Cosmetic procedures related to facial trauma, such as reconstructive surgery * TMJ and other jaw disease treatments * Cleft lip and palate repair surgery * Removal and treatment of cancer and tumors, including facial, skin, and oral cancers * Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea * Bone grafting to repair bone loss in connection with tooth decay and removal * Oral pathology and diagnosis * Administration and monitoring of anesthesia While each practice is different, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are some of the world’s most rigorously trained medical professionals who can provide interventions and support to patients with a variety of conditions. If you’re currently facing a medical or dental condition that requires the attention of an oral surgeon, ask your dentist or doctor for a referral today. It’s also possible to contact an oral surgery practice directly to set up a consultation with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in your area.
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