Our dentist may recommend maxillofacial surgery if you have a misaligned jaw or need to remove a tooth. To help this procedure go smoothly, we make sure to provide a comfortable environment so you can feel relaxed. Give us a call today at 918-622-3353 to schedule an appointment at The Art of Modern Dentistry with Dr. Kimberly Stokes and learn more about maxillofacial surgery in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
What Is Maxillofacial Surgery?
Maxillofacial surgery is a type of surgery that corrects problems with the face, mouth and jaws. It can be used to treat conditions like cleft lip and palate, facial trauma, sleep apnea, and TMJ disorders. Maxillofacial surgery is usually performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, who are trained in both medicine and dentistry.
What To Expect:
The first step in maxillofacial surgery is to consult with an oral surgeon to see if you are a good candidate for the procedure. The oral surgeon will evaluate your medical history and do a physical examination. They will also take X-rays and other imaging tests to get a better look at the structures of your face and jaw.
Once it is determined that you are a good candidate for maxillofacial surgery, the oral surgeon will develop a treatment plan. This plan will be tailored to your individual needs and may involve multiple procedures. The surgeon will discuss the details of the plan with you before the surgery so that you know what to expect.
When Is Maxillofacial Surgery Needed?
Maxillofacial surgery can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions:
- Cleft lip and palate are two of the most common reasons for maxillofacial surgery. Cleft lip occurs when there is a split in the upper lip, while cleft palate occurs when there is a split in the roof of the mouth. These conditions can cause problems with eating, speaking and breathing. Maxillofacial surgery can correct these problems and help the patient lead a normal life.
- Facial trauma is another common reason for maxillofacial surgery. This type of trauma can occur due to car accidents, sports injuries or falls. It can result in broken bones, lacerations and other damage to the face. Maxillofacial surgery can repair the damage and restore normal function to the face.
- Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes people to stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep. This can result in daytime fatigue, headaches and other health problems. Maxillofacial surgery can treat sleep apnea by correcting the anatomic problems that are causing the condition, but patients must be diagnosed with the condition by a licensed medical professional before any dental treatment can occur.
- TMJ disorders are a group of conditions that affect the jaw joint. This joint is located just in front of the ear and allows the lower jaw to move. TMJ disorders can cause pain, clicking and popping of the jaw. Maxillofacial surgery can correct these problems and relieve the symptoms of TMJ disorders.
Maxillofacial surgery is a safe and effective way to treat many facial problems. If you are considering maxillofacial surgery, please consult with Dr. Stokes to see if it is right for your needs.