Oral surgery in terms of dentistry refers to a specialized field of dental practice that focuses on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of various conditions and issues related to the mouth, jaw, and facial structures. Dentists who specialize in oral surgery, known as oral surgeons or oral and maxillofacial surgeons, undergo extensive training beyond traditional dental education to perform a wide range of surgical procedures within the oral and facial regions.
Oral surgery encompasses various procedures, including but not limited to:
- Tooth Extractions: Oral surgeons perform both routine and complex tooth extractions, including wisdom teeth removal.
- Dental Implants: They are skilled in placing dental implants to replace missing teeth and restore oral function and aesthetics.
- Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery): This type of surgery corrects misaligned jaws, addressing issues like underbites, overbites, and facial asymmetry.
- Oral Pathology: Oral surgeons diagnose and treat conditions such as cysts, tumors, and infections in the mouth and jaw.
- Bone Grafting: When bone loss has occurred due to tooth extraction or other factors, oral surgeons can perform bone grafting procedures to rebuild the jawbone for future dental implants.
- Facial Trauma: They are trained to treat injuries to the face, jaws, and oral tissues resulting from accidents or other trauma.
- Cleft Lip and Palate Repair: Oral surgeons often participate in the surgical correction of congenital conditions like cleft lip and palate.
- TMJ Disorders: Treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, including surgical interventions when necessary, falls within the realm of oral surgery.
- Cosmetic Facial Surgery: Some oral surgeons offer cosmetic procedures such as facelifts and facial rejuvenation treatments.
Oral surgery procedures may be performed in a dental office, outpatient surgical center, or hospital setting, depending on the complexity of the surgery. Oral surgeons work closely with other dental and medical professionals to provide comprehensive care for patients requiring surgical interventions in the oral and facial areas.