What Are Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialized field of dental care that focuses on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects involving both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. This includes procedures ranging from simple tooth extractions to complex surgeries of the jaw and facial structures. Maxillofacial surgeons address issues such as impacted teeth, cleft lip and palate, TMJ disorders, facial trauma, and cosmetic surgeries to correct jaw irregularities. This specialty combines dental, medical, and surgical expertise to provide comprehensive care for patients.
What’s The Difference Between Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
Oral surgery and maxillofacial surgery are branches of dental surgery, but they focus on different areas of expertise.
Oral surgery typically refers to procedures that are performed within the mouth itself, with a focus on the teeth, gums, and jawbone. Common oral surgeries include tooth extractions, dental implants, and root canals.
Maxillofacial surgery extends beyond the mouth to include the entire facial region. This specialty involves procedures related to the jaws, facial bones, and soft tissues of the face. Maxillofacial surgeons treat issues like jaw misalignment, facial trauma, congenital facial defects, and cancers of the head and neck. In essence, while all maxillofacial surgery can be considered oral surgery, not all oral surgery is maxillofacial.
What Treatments Does Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Turkey Cover?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery in Turkey encompasses a wide range of treatments.
Tooth Extractions: Removal of problematic teeth, including wisdom teeth.
Corrective Jaw Surgery: Surgery to correct irregularities of the jaw bones and improve a patient’s ability to chew, speak, and breathe.
Dental Implants: Placement of artificial tooth roots to replace missing teeth and support prosthetics.
Facial Trauma Repair: Treatment for facial injuries, including fractures of the jaw and cheekbones.
Cleft Lip and Palate Repair: Reconstructive surgery to correct congenital deformities of the lip and palate.
TMJ Disorders: Treatment for problems affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Pathologic Conditions: Removal of cysts, tumors, and treatment of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial region.
Turkish oral and maxillofacial surgery is recognized for its skilled surgeons, modern techniques, and high-quality care, making it a field well-regarded both nationally and internationally.
What Are The Risks Or Complications Of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries potential risks and complications.
Infection: Despite sterile techniques, infections can occur at the surgery site.
Bleeding: Some bleeding is expected, but excessive bleeding may occur and require intervention.
Nerve Damage: There is a risk of temporary or permanent nerve damage, which can result in numbness or altered sensation.
Pain and Swelling: Post-operative pain and swelling are common but usually manageable with medications.
Delayed Healing: Healing may take longer, especially in patients who smoke or have underlying health conditions.
Reaction to Anesthesia: There can be risks associated with anesthesia, ranging from mild reactions to more serious, albeit rare, complications.
It’s important for patients to discuss these risks with their oral and maxillofacial surgeon to understand how they apply to their specific situation and what steps will be taken to minimize them.
