Oral Surgery

Dental implants and extraction of wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the most common oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, but oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) do much more. Since the earliest days of the specialty, OMSs have expanded their scope of practice to include surgery of the entire maxillofacial complex. Their knowledge and skills make them proficient in the management of bony and soft tissue reconstruction of the entire maxillofacial skeleton.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are titanium metal cylinders that replace tooth roots. They are placed into the jaw bones where bone grows into them and locks them in place. Dental implants are used very effectively to replace missing teeth. Dental implants may comfortably and permanently replace one or more teeth, and are regarded by many as one of the most important advances in dentistry in the last 50 years. OMSs plan and place dental implants used to replace missing teeth. Training in the placement of implants includes proper diagnosis, treatment, site preparation (including the reconstruction of bone and soft tissues), and maintenance.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

OMS training includes the diagnosis and surgical and non-surgical management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. It also includes the differential diagnosis of head, neck, and facial pain. This comprehensive knowledge affords the patient the ability to regain normal function while eliminating pain.

Pathologic Conditions

OMSs diagnose and manage patients with diseases of the oral and maxillofacial region, including cysts, benign and malignant tumors, soft tissue, and severe infections of the oral cavity and salivary glands. The reconstruction of the mouth and face following the removal of tumors represents the ability of the oral and maxillofacial surgeon to return patients to optimum levels of appearance and function.