Orofacial Surgery
Orofacial Surgery
How We Utilize Orofacial Surgery
Fractures
Orofacial surgery treats jaw fractures by realigning the bones, stabilizing them with plates or wires, and suturing the incisions.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) realigns the jaws to improve function and aesthetics.
Dental Implants
Dental implants surgically placing artificial tooth roots to support replacement teeth.
Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
Cleft lip and palate repair correcting congenital deformities in the lip and palate.
Facial Trauma Surgery Repairing
Facial trauma surgery repairing injuries to the face and jaw from accidents or violence.
TMJ
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) surgery treating disorders of the joint that connects the jaw to the skull.
Removal of Wisdom Teeth
Orofacial surgery removes wisdom teeth by making incisions, extracting the teeth, and suturing the gums.
Service. Comfort. Trust.
Why & How Wisdom Teeth Are Removed?
- Impaction: Wisdom teeth often become impacted, meaning they don’t fully emerge from the gums. This can lead to pain and swelling.
- Crowding: They can crowd adjacent teeth, leading to misalignment.
- Infection: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets for bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease or infection.
- Cysts or Tumors: In rare cases, wisdom teeth can lead to cysts or tumors in the jaw.
1. Consultation and Imaging
Before surgery, a dentist will evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth using X-rays.
2. Anesthesia
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity and the patient's comfort.
3. Extraction
In many cases, dissolvable stitches will be placed to help the gums heal.
4. Stitches
The surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and may need to remove bone around it. The tooth can be extracted as a whole or in sections.
Everything You Need to Know
FAQs about Orofacial Surgery
How long does recovery take after orofacial surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery:
• Minor procedures (e.g., tooth extractions or wisdom teeth removal): Recovery can take a few days to a week.
• Major surgeries (e.g., orthognathic surgery or facial trauma repair): May take several weeks to months for full recovery. Post-operative care, including managing pain, swelling, and following your surgeon’s instructions for diet and activity, is essential to ensure optimal recovery.
Are there risks associated with orofacial surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks. These can include:
• Infection
• Nerve injury (leading to numbness or tingling)
• Bleeding
• Anesthesia complications
• Scarring (particularly in cosmetic or reconstructive procedures)
• Difficulty with jaw movement or bite misalignment (especially after major jaw surgery)
• Dry mouth or difficulty swallowing (in some cases, after surgery on the salivary glands or jaw)
Will I be awake during orofacial surgery?
It depends on the procedure:
• Local anesthesia: For minor procedures, local anesthesia may be sufficient to numb the treatment area while you remain awake.
• Sedation: For more complex or invasive procedures, sedation or general anesthesia may be used, allowing you to be relaxed or asleep throughout the surgery. The choice of anesthesia is determined by the surgeon based on the procedure and patient preferences.
Can orofacial surgery help in treating sleep apnea?
Yes, certain types of orofacial surgery can help treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), especially if the condition is caused by structural issues such as enlarged tonsils or an unusually shaped jaw. Surgical options may include:
• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): Removal of excess tissue in the throat.
• Genioglossus advancement: Surgery to reposition the muscles that control the tongue to prevent airway collapse.
• Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA): Surgery to reposition the upper and lower jaw to improve airflow.