A Maxillofacial surgeon is a specialist in problems around the mouth, jaw and neck as opposed to your actual teeth. If a case is too complicated to correct using orthodontics alone, then Maxillofacial surgery is usually the last resort. Many maxillofacial surgeons are trained in reconstructive surgery, such is the sophistication of the procedure. A Maxillofacial Doctor will usually attend dental school and then in addition are placed in a residency, taking on several more years of training before being allowed to practice.

How can a Maxillofacial surgeon help?

A Maxillofacial surgeon can help in many different ways. Procedures such as the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, corrective jaw surgery or serious root canals can all be carried out through Maxillofacial surgery. More extreme situations might also require surgery. If a patient has been involved in an accident, for example, or has been the victim of an assault, then usually only a maxillofacial surgeon may be able to treat those severe injuries.

Medically, maxillofacial surgery can also help. Growths and cysts can be removed through us, although we may take a biopsy to send away for further tests. If a tumour is discovered, the maxillofacial surgeon will work alongside an oncologist, and hopefully remove the growth with a minimum of fuss. Limiting nerve damage also plays a huge part in the surgeons overall objective, and the faster a patient is treated, the more likely a full recovery will be made

Maxillofacial surgery can be life-changing for people who have suffered their entire life with disfigurement or birth deformities. Cleft palates, or harelips, can be fixed with the skills and experience of a maxillofacial surgeon, and the impact can be enormous. Facial abnormalities, more so than other parts of the body, can be socially awkward or embarrassing. Corrective surgery can restore a patients confidence and bring a new lease of life to that person.

If you think you would benefit from any of these procedures, then give us a call today. Our friendly and helpful staff will be happy to talk about any queries you may have.