Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a specialized field focused on diagnosing and treating disorders of the soft tissues (cheeks, palate, tongue, lips, etc.) and hard tissues (teeth, bones) of the mouth and jaw. These procedures are performed under local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or sedation, depending on the complexity of the surgery.

This department handles surgical treatments to assist with the construction of prostheses, including:

• Removal of traumatised or impacted teeth
• Placement of dental implants
• Sinus lifting procedures
• Surgical excision of cysts and tumors related to teeth and soft tissue
• Apical resection and small biopsies
• Extractions of impacted or normal teeth under sedation
• Treatment of jaw fractures and large cysts

All surgeries are conducted in a sterile, controlled operating room environment by expert surgeons and clinical staff.

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically erupt between ages 17 and 26. Due to their location at the back of the mouth, they are harder to clean, leading to a higher risk of cavities and infections.

Wisdom teeth may fail to erupt fully or may become impacted, causing:

• Swelling and redness of surrounding gums
• Severe pain in the neck, ears, or jaw
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Infection due to food being trapped between teeth (pericoronitis)

Impacted wisdom teeth may cause dental crowding and affect adjacent teeth, leading to decay. They can also develop cysts, leading to more serious complications.

Even if asymptomatic, wisdom teeth may need to be removed for orthodontic treatment. Healthy wisdom teeth positioned correctly do not require removal. Surgery should always be performed by a maxillofacial surgeon.

Other teeth, such as canines or small molars, may also become impacted and may require surgical removal if orthodontic treatment is not possible.

A dental implant is a titanium post used to replace the root of a missing tooth. Titanium is biocompatible, meaning it integrates well with bone and mimics the natural root. Dental implants are suitable for replacing single teeth or for total tooth loss, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits.

To ensure success, a thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation is performed by dentists and maxillofacial surgeons. This includes assessing the bone structure with 3D imaging to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for implants. Implants are generally safe for individuals of all ages, though placement in younger patients (before 18) should be carefully evaluated.

Implants are placed under local anesthesia, though sedation or general anesthesia may be used for more complex cases. The process can vary, but typically, the prosthetic phase begins 3 months after implant placement, unless additional procedures (e.g., bone grafting, sinus lift) are necessary.

Patients will receive post-surgery instructions and medications to aid recovery. Regular check-ups every 6 months are recommended to monitor implant health.

Dental implants are crucial for preventing bone loss that occurs following tooth extraction. They provide a stable foundation for artificial teeth, helping to preserve the jawbone and improve oral function, including chewing, speaking, and smiling. This enhances the patient’s social, psychological, and physical well-being.

• No more removable dentures: Implants provide a fixed, stable alternative.
• Fixed dentures for complete tooth loss: Implants allow patients without teeth to use fixed dentures.
• Better quality of life: The transition from removable dentures to fixed implants significantly improves comfort and function.
• No more nausea: Implants eliminate the discomfort often caused by removable dentures.
• Improved chewing and diet: Better chewing function leads to healthier eating habits.
• Restored self-confidence: Implants provide a natural appearance and boost overall confidence.