Oral surgeons, also known as maxillofacial surgeons, perform a variety of dental procedures to treat issues involving the teeth, gums, jaw, and face. Oral surgeons handle procedures that are more complex than those performed by dentists, such as facial reconstruction, oral birth defects, bone grafts, and the removal of impacted teeth.
Oral surgeons are frequently consulted by people who have suffered facial injuries or have facial deformities as a result of medical conditions. Many of these surgeons also specialize in plastic surgery, which they use to help people with facial problems. Oral surgeons can repair or minimize cleft lip and palate, which are common birth defects.
Wisdom teeth that have become impacted are very common. To avoid damage to the jaw, gums, and other teeth, an oral surgeon can surgically remove them. Other teeth may become impacted or severely damaged to the point where they must be extracted. Dental implants are frequently used to replace missing teeth in order to prevent other teeth from shifting and to maintain the appearance of a full set of teeth. A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth that is attached to a screw that is inserted into the jaw.
Some people have jaw problems that can be fixed by an oral surgeon. Jaw lengths that are mismatched or unequal can cause problems eating and speaking. Denture wearers may experience discomfort and poor fit as a result of jaw irregularities. People with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders frequently experience severe head and facial pain as a result of their condition. Oral surgeons can help with many of these issues by reconstructing the jaw.
Surgical procedures can often be used by oral surgeons to help people stop snoring and sleep apnea. Laser surgery can scar the oropharynx in the back of the mouth, tightening it and reducing nighttime breathing problems or obstruction. Laser techniques can also be used to remove excess tissue from the palate, which can help to reduce snoring and sleep disruptions.
Infections of the neck, face, and mouth can cause serious medical issues, some of which can be fatal. Infected tissue can often be removed by an oral surgeon, reducing the risk of further complications. Oral surgery is often beneficial to people who have cancerous growths in their mouths or on their faces.
To become an oral surgeon in the United States, one must first complete dental school and then take additional courses in surgery, anesthesia, and pathology. Oral surgeons in the United States who complete an application and examination process are certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. To keep their certification, board-certified oral surgeons must take continuing education courses.