Maxillofacial Surgery
Maxillofacial Surgery
While dentists can treat a wide array of oral conditions, many facial reconstructions or head and neck procedures will require a maxillofacial surgeon.
Maxillofacial surgery is effective in treating misalignment of teeth and protruding chins as well as loss of gum or bone tissue due to denture fatigue and problems with cheeks or the nose.
Jaw correction is a common maxillofacial procedure that can correct problems speaking, chewing, and aesthetic issues caused by upper and lower jaws growing at a different rate or a simple misalignment. These surgeries are often supplemented by the wearing of orthodontic appliances to ensure alignment of the jaw as well as restore bite alignment. Wires and rubber bands are often used to keep the jaw in place and is some cases fixation screws or plates that encourage easy jaw movement will be inserted.
With long time denture wearers, there are sometimes issues with gum and bone tissue loss. To repair the soft tissue damaged by denture wear, it is sometimes necessary to perform bone grafts, jaw realignment, or a manipulation of soft tissue. These procedures are done by a maxillofacial surgeon as well.