Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions affecting the facial complex and oral cavity. This includes the jaw, mouth, teeth and gums. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons undergo additional years of training beyond dental school that equips them to address complex dental issues and perform surgery.
Tooth Extractions: It involves the removal of wisdom teeth and other problem teeth. Corrective Jaw Surgery: To correct jaw misalignment that can affect chewing, speech and appearance.
Dental Implants: Placement of artificial roots to support replacement teeth. Treatment of Facial Injuries: Repair of facial bone fractures and lacerations.
Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery: Correction of developmental deformities of the mouth and lips.
Treatment of Oral Cancers: Removal of tumors and other cancerous growths in the oral region. Oral and maxillofacial surgery integrates both dental and medical knowledge, often involving collaboration with other specialists to provide comprehensive care. It plays an important role in improving not only oral health, but also the overall quality of life of patients facing complex dental and facial problems.
What is the Difference Between Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a unique specialty in dentistry that bridges the gap between dentistry and medicine. While it covers a wide range of procedures, the distinction lies in the areas of focus and the complexity of the conditions treated. Oral surgery refers to procedures that are more commonly performed in a dental office. These include tooth extractions, dental implants and minor surgical procedures such as root canals or gum grafting.
The scope of oral surgery is limited to the mouth. It focuses on solving dental problems and improving oral health. Maxillofacial surgery extends beyond the oral cavity to include the jaw, face, skull and associated structures. This specialty deals with more complex conditions such as jaw misalignment, facial reconstruction, treatment of congenital facial deformities such as cleft lip and palate, complex trauma surgery, and treatment of benign and malignant tumors of the face and neck. Maxillofacial surgeons often work in collaboration with other specialists such as ENT surgeons, plastic surgeons and oncologists for comprehensive patient care.
In summary, oral surgery is mainly limited to dental treatments inside the mouth, while maxillofacial surgery covers a broader spectrum and addresses complex issues involving facial structure and jaws in addition to oral conditions.
Which Treatments Does Oral, Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery Cover?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery covers a comprehensive range of treatments aimed at addressing problems in various areas such as the mouth, jaw and face. These treatments include surgical extraction of teeth, such as impacted wisdom teeth, and replacing missing teeth with dental implants that improve both function and aesthetics. His specialty also includes corrective jaw surgery, known as orthognathic surgery, which is performed to align misaligned jaws, thereby improving both facial appearance and functionality.
In addition, oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Turkey are adept at treating oral pathologies, including the removal of cysts and tumors and the treatment of oral cancers. They also specialize in facial trauma surgery, which repairs injuries to facial bones and soft tissues. Surgery for congenital conditions such as cleft lip and palate is also an important part of their expertise.
It also provides treatments for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, including surgical interventions for severe cases. Known for its advanced healthcare facilities and highly skilled general practitioners, Turkey has become a major destination for patients seeking specialized and comprehensive oral and maxillofacial surgery care.
