Surgery (Maxillofacial surgery)

       Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a surgical specialty which involves the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects involving both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the head and neck region. The specialty is very broad, ranging from the extraction of teeth to the treatment of complex facial fractures.

The services provided include...

:: Removal of diseased or impacted teeth.
:: Dental Implants to replace missing teeth and for more complex cases, reconstructing deficient bone to support the implants.
:: Treatment of facial fractures and soft tissue injuries of the head and neck secondary to trauma.
:: Diagnosis and treatment of benign or malignant cysts and tumors of the oral and maxillofacial region.
:: Diagnosis and treatment of infections of the head and neck region to include infection of the teeth, the salivary glands, and the upper and lower jaw.
:: Reconstruction and cosmetic surgery to correct facial bones deformities and facial soft tissue problems as a result of previous trauma, developmental, or secondary to the removal of head and neck pathology.
:: Diagnosis and treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders.
:: Diagnosis and correction of Dentofacial Deformities (Bite) and other Developmental Defects. In conjunction with the orthodontist, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon surgically realigns the upper and lower jaw into proper dental and facial relationships to improve function and facial appearance. Individuals with developmental defects, such as cleft lip and palate are also treated for improved function and appearance.

Fractures
Mandibular fractures (broken jaw)
      The lower jaw is a frequent site for fractures because of

· accidents · assaults · sometimes underlying disease

There are 2 types of fractures:
          · open: The bone is exposed to air inside the mouth or outside the facial skin
          · closed: The bone is completely covered by soft tissue.

Here are the three steps in the repair of most fractures.
1.Reduction of the fracture: Realigning the bony parts in their original anatomic relationship.
2.Fixation of the fracture : Methods and materials are used to hold the bony parts in their correct relationship while healing occurs.

:: Maxillomandibular fixation is the wiring of the jaw shut. Many fractures lend themselves to this treatment. When the upper dentition is good and the upper jaw is stable this allows the upper jaw to act as a cast for the lower jaw while it heals. :: Internal fixation is the use of wires and or screws and plates to hold the bony segments in their correct relationship. This hardware may be applied inside the mouth or outside the mouth depending upon the ituation. :: External fixation is the use surgical pins that are placed in the bony fragments and a external frame is placed between the pins to fix the bony fragments in their proper orientation.

3.Healing and Rehabilitation: This is the time that is allowed for healing and for
physical therapy. Adequate nutrition and rest, avoiding alcohol and, tobacco is very important.

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