Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a branch that involves various surgical procedures, which include
- Impactions(wisdom tooth removal)
- Treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders
- Bone grafting/orthognathic surgeries
- Treatment of facial trauma
- Treatment of oral pathological lesions
- Dental implants
Impaction
Wisdom tooth is referred to 3rd molar and it is the last one to erupt. If they are completely erupted in the arch then they need not be removed. But if they erupt sideways, or emerge partially or remain trapped inside the bone then it has to be removed . Non removal cause infection which would result in swelling and pain. They can also affect adjacent tooth. Therefore, an early removal of wisdom tooth is recommended.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure in which synthetic material is placed beneath the gums which are then sutured back. After several months of healing bone becomes a part of patient’s jaw. After this, dental implants can be placed inside the bone. Bone grafting thereby gives chance to restore function and facial appearance.
Bone grafting can also be used to treat cases of trauma, tumour or congenital defects.
Facial Trauma
Facial trauma includes any one of the following injuries
- Facial lacerations (cuts).
- Removal of tooth from socket.
- Fracture of facial bones.
- Fracture of jaws.
Treatment
- Soft tissue injuries are treated by suturing.
- Hard tissue Injuries (teeth) are treated by splinting(immobilization the teeth by wiring or bonding)
- Fracture of facial bones & jaws are treated by stabilising ,splinting , wiring,plating etc using wire & screws.