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What does a maxillofacial surgeon do?
A maxillofacial surgeon, also known as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, has deep and extensive training with ample knowledge that combines dentistry and medicine. Their education usually starts in dental school, followed by a residency program that lasts from four to eight years. During this program, they receive training in areas such as anesthesia, general surgery, plastic surgery, internal surgery, and otolaryngology. This double training allows them to treat complex conditions in the mouth, jaws, face, and neck with a comprehensive approach, considering both the dental and general health of the patient.
Functionally, maxillofacial surgeons are experts in a wide range of procedures that restore the health and function of oral and facial structures. They are the main specialists in treating facial trauma, including mandibular and facial bone fractures, as well as the reconstruction after these injuries. They also do complex dental extractions, such as wisdom teeth, and they are in charge of placing dental implants to replace missing teeth. In addition, they treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and conduct jaw surgery to correct malocclusions and misalignments of the jaw. They also deal with cysts, tumors, and infections in the head and neck area.
Further than the functional procedures they do, maxillofacial surgeons can also do aesthetic procedures that improve facial looks and harmony. Their ample knowledge of facial anatomy allows them to perform surgeries such as facial implants, like cheek and chin, to enhance the face’s contour and to check scars to minimize their visibility. They can also perform some facial rejuvenation procedures. Thanks to their understanding of facial symmetry and proportions, they can achieve results that not only enhance beauty but also help their patients self-esteem and quality of life.
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