Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

A well known surgical specialty of the dental branch, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery refers to the treatment of birth deformities, diseases and injuries pertaining to the functional and  aesthetic aspect of the mouth and teeth.

Implants refer to the titanium prosthetic that are placed in the jaw bone to replace missing teeth. The implant is fixed into the tooth bone to provide a strong base for the synthetic teeth. Thereafter, a prosthesis that resembles the original teeth is formulated and attached to the titanium fixture.

The total number of teeth in the mouth of an average adult is 32 while the average mouth can accommodate only 28 teeth. Also known as third molars, wisdom teeth need to be removed to avoid congestion in the mouth.

The removal of wisdom teeth usually takes place in the teenage years. Your dentist will conduct an oral examination and x-ray of your mouth to decide whether teeth need to be removed or not.

There are four types of anesthesia given to the patient depending on their comfort level. Their names are local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, IV sedation and general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is given to numb the area. The second one is nitrous  oxide that you sniff through your nose. With the use of IV sedation, you’ll become partially conscious.

Eating and drinking are prohibited only if you are going to take IV sedation. In that case, you cannot eat or drink 6 hours prior to your surgery.

A sinus lift is a surgical procedure wherein the sinus membrane is elevated within the mouth followed by placing of bone graft onto the sinus floor, allowing dental implants to get placed on the back side of the upper jaw.

A cleft refers to the gap  in the lip, roof of the mouth and soft tissue in the back of the mouth. It occurs when the two sides of a palate does not join together. It is a birth deformity wherein a child can suffer either from cleft lip or palate or both.

Yes. A surgical treatment can make you get rid away from this birth deformity. Most  surgeons believe that a cleft lip should be repaired at the age of 3 months. A surgical procedure also depends upon the general health of children.