ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON

Definition

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are regional surgeons that specialize in the craniomaxillofacial complex which includes the face, skull, jaw, and mouth.

To become a maxillofacial surgeon, a certified dentist must continue education and go through a surgical training process. The entire training process can differ across the globe. In the United States, oral and maxillofacial surgeons’ residencies exist which allow medical students to earn a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery or Doctor of Medicine degree. There is no difference between what someone with a double degree in oral and maxillofacial surgery is certified to do versus what someone with a regular degree is certified to do. It is accepted all over the world that oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialty within the area of dentistry. In addition to this, in some countries, such as the UK, oral and maxillofacial surgery is seen as a specialty in medicine and also in the FRCS. No matter where one lives, however, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are all required to earn a degree in dentistry before they can start their training in surgery.

Another option for prospective oral and maxillofacial surgeon is to go the extra mile and complete subspecialty fellowship training. This training can last for a year or two. The specialties they can choose from are the following:

• Cancers of the neck and of the head (microvasvular reconstruction)
• Cosmetic surgery or the face
• Suregery on the craniofacial area for adults or for children
• Trauma on the cranio-maxillofacial area

There are many individuals who prefer to find a dentist who does general work to consult with. Most often, consultations with oral and maxillofacial surgeons are recommended by other doctors or dental practitioners. If you know that you have a need for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, check out a dental directory. It should be simple to locate a dentist close to you. Sometime, people also find a dentist specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery through recommendations of other practitioners.

Common Treatments

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform treatments on the skull, neck, face, mouth, and jaws. Some of their most common treatments involve constant pain in the face, trauma of the oral and maxillofacial region, treatment of TMJ disorders, dysgnathia complex, straight bite surgery, surgery for all types of jaw correction, and reconstruction of facial symmetry. Some other treatments include surgical treatment for sleep apnea, genioplasty, cosmetic surgery on performed either on the neck or on the head (for example a rhinoplasty, otoplasty, and others of the sort) and placement of dental implants.