When Is Maxillofacial Surgery Necessary?
Maxillofacial surgery is a procedure done to treat and correct certain conditions, injuries, and defects that impact the aesthetics and functionality of the jaws, neck, face, and hard or soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.
This is a specialized procedure that requires both medical and dentistry knowledge and experience because it includes the diagnosis and treatment of extensive and complicated facial injuries, malformations, tumors, infections, and other problems that affect this area.
Maxillofacial surgeons often work alongside other specialists like clinical oncologists, orthodontists, neurosurgeons, and radiologists depending on the complexities of the case.
When Is It Needed?
Maxillofacial surgery is performed in cases of facial disfiguration, abnormal growths, trauma, and more. It is recommended for the following cases:
- Correction of congenital facial deformities such as cleft lip and/or palate.
- Complicated tooth extractions and removal of impacted wisdom teeth
- Removal of head, jaw, and neck tumors or cysts.
- Management of lesions of the salivary glands.
- Pre-implant surgery.
- Correction of bite abnormalities (Dysgnathia)
- Reconstruction of jaws, cheeks, noses, eye sockets, and foreheads damaged due to trauma or for cosmetic purposes.
- Placement of supports for prosthetic ears, noses, and even eyes and eyebrows.
- Removal of excess tissue and to clear the airway to lessen the symptoms of sleep apnea.
- Temporomandibular joint surgery.
Benefits For Patients
Maxillofacial surgery has a positive impact on the quality of life and health of the patient, with benefits that include:
- Enhanced functionality: When the maxillofacial region works correctly and is healthy, daily activities such as eating or speaking are easy to perform. Fixing problems in this area allows you to chew correctly, which leads to healthy digestion. It also enhances speaking and quality of sleep.
- A better appearance: Malformations and other issues that affect the symmetry and appearance of the face can have a deep psychological impact, affecting self-esteem. Correcting or diminishing them can greatly improve the looks and harmony of the patient’s facial features, bringing along a renewed appearance and a boost of confidence.
- Relief from headaches and joint pain: A realignment of the jaw relieves the pressure that causes uncomfortable headaches, joint pain, and even stiff neck and shoulders.
- Less Tooth Wear: A misaligned jaw causes uneven pressure on the patient’s bite, wearing teeth overtime. Maxillofacial surgery corrects this problem.
As a Maxillofacial specialist in Burton, we are here to help you achieve not only dental but overall health. Please call our office to schedule a consultation if you have questions.
