What Is a Maxillofacial Surgeon

by | Jul 19, 2021

Maxillofacial surgeons are trained specialists that handle diverse conditions and injuries relating to the neck, head, mouth, jaw, and face. Furthermore, they are trained in anesthesia and pain control, allowing their patients to walk out of the office without feeling pain or discomfort.

Typically, Maxillofacial surgeons perform complex surgeries or cosmetic procedures that correct or align certain facial features of a patient. In addition, they provide post-surgery care, which comprises follow-ups and appointments.

Training and Education

Maxillofacial surgeons are trained in the field of maxillofacial surgery, which focuses primarily on the oral area. Usually, these trained specialists underwent dental school for four years before finally being awarded a bachelor’s degree.

However, that is not the end of the journey as they would need to complete a four to six-year residency period where the dentist will study surgery specifically. This potential six-year program also includes an additional two years to receive a medical degree, in addition to their dental degree.

Conditions that Maxillofacial surgeons treat

When it comes to what Maxillofacial surgeons do, it depends on the doctor as the term is often interchangeable. However, a Maxillofacial surgeon specializes in conditions relating to the neck and face.

Here are other conditions that a Maxillofacial surgeon can treat:

  • Teeth implants

Maxillofacial surgeons are trained to fix dental issues, such as dental replacement with a synthetic. This procedure comes with immense health and cosmetic benefits.

  • Reconstructive Surgery

If you have misaligned jaws or perhaps something in your face feels broken, these surgeons can shave bones and even readjust joints to the correct alignment. This procedure can relieve patients of discomfort caused by a broken and a misaligned jaw.

Should you see a Maxillofacial Surgeon?

There are numerous reasons why you’d need the services of a Maxillofacial surgeon, such as a misaligned or broken jaw. Usually, your dentist will refer you to a reliable Maxillofacial surgeon for the best treatment.

However, there are other reasons you will need the special hands of a Maxillofacial surgeon, which includes: 

  • Facial
  • Oral or neck cancer and
  • Reconstructive surgery

If you’re interested in getting dental transplants and simply changing some features of your face, an experienced Maxillofacial surgeon is what you need. 

How an appointment with a Maxillofacial surgeon works

In a non-emergency situation, you’re often presented with a ton of options when it comes to choosing a Maxillofacial surgeon like tooth extraction or dental implants. But in the case of an accident emergency, you’ll require immediate medical attention.

However, rest assured that these specialists have almost a decade of training in dental school, and will ensure that any injury you sustained is treated. If you believe you need the services of a Maxillofacial surgeon, do give us a call or fill out the contact form to begin!

Written By Nick

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