A regular visit to the dentist is a good habit. Your smile is not just the only thing on your face that you should worry about. Keeping a check on the entire facial condition is important. Have you ever felt pain in the bones near your ear? Are you planning on getting a nose job? Who will you consult for all these problems? You might have hear about oral and maxillofacial surgeons. If not, here is what you must know.
Any problems with the facial bones or surgeries for your nose, lips, jaws, and all other parts require specialized professionals to carry out an effective treatment. You cannot rely on every doctor or dentist for any kind of procedure. Your dentist may also refer to an oral or maxillofacial surgeon if you consult him or her for the purpose.
Who Is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
These surgeons are a combination of medical and dental specialty. The work is more intricate and tough than anyone could expect. This leads them to another field called maxillofacial dentistry. These surgeons entertain patients referred from general dentists or doctors after a diagnosis. Many of these surgeons have degrees in both medicine as well as dentistry.
Which Treatments Do Oral Surgeons Refer
Since the surgeons differ from general dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgery differ as well. Here is a list of processes that a surgeon will perform.
Dental Implants
The most performed treatments by oral surgeons are dental implants. A titanium screw is placed in your jaw to fill the gap between the teeth. A tooth0shaped porcelain or resin made structure is placed on top of the screw to give your denture a complete and natural look. The success rate reported by the AAOMS is 95 percent. General dentists can identify the need but an oral surgeon can perform an implant effectively.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Misaligned teeth are also treated by an oral surgeon. Jaw surgeries or orthognathic surgeries are delicate to handle, therefore, maxillofacial surgeon will make sure you get the right surgery. Chewing or speaking problems or appearance of your face can be treated through surgery. This surgery will rectify the position of your jaw which will solve all of the above-mentioned problems.
Cleft Palate and Lip Correction
Common birth defects mark cleft palates and cleft lips. Swallowing food and speaking will become a huge problem if these birth defects are left untreated. According to The National Institutes of Health, cleft lip surgery is performed on newborns of three to six months of age. Cleft palate is performed on kids of nine to twelve months of age.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction may be performed by some general dentists but wisdom teeth need special attention. No matter what the surgery requires, general dentists will refer you to an oral surgeon for this delicate procedure. If your wisdom tooth has failed to erupt or has misaligned with other teeth, you must consult an oral surgeon to help you.
Preparation for Maxillofacial Surgeries
Here are some pre-surgery tips that will help you do better during the procedure.
Discuss the Surgery in Detail
It is better to schedule a meeting with the dentist first. You must know what you have to go through. You may ask any questions and clear all queries before the surgery. It will be easier for you to get the treatment.
Avoid Tobacco and Alcohol
Your surgeon will also ask you to avoid drinking and smoking before the surgery. You should know that tobacco and alcohol are not good for health, especially oral health. Avoid them as much as you can at least six to seven hours before the process.
Reschedule If Needed
You should reschedule the surgery date if you have a cold or any other health problem. Oral surgeries are best effective if you are in good health.
What to Do After the Surgery
Here some post-surgery instructions that your dentist will tell you.
Avoid Chewing Tough Foods
Chewing hard food items is not favorable for oral health. Your surgeon will also ask you to avoid chewing gums or any other hard food items.
Eat Soft Food Items and Liquids
Soft food items like porridge and cereals are best after oral surgery. Drink shakes and milk if eating is difficult. Dr. R. Boyd Gilleland is one of the best dentists in town. If you need the right oral surgery with complete guidance and a comfortable environment, consult him at our clinic.