What is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery? Charlotte NC Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a highly specialized field of dentistry that includes diagnosis, treatment, and management of a wide range of conditions affecting the mouth, jaw, face, and neck. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery are trained to handle complex cases that require a combination of dental and medical expertise and affect the above-mentioned body parts.From simple tooth extractions to complex jaw reconstruction, oral and maxillofacial surgery involves various surgical and cosmetic dentistry procedures that can help restore both function and aesthetics to the face and mouth. They are commonly performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's needs and the complexity of the surgery. What Happens Before Maxillofacial Surgery?Before maxillofacial surgery, proper preparation is necessary to ensure a safe and successful procedure. As such, you need to schedule a consultation with our oral and maxillofacial surgeons. During this initial appointment, we will evaluate your medical history and perform a physical examination to diagnose your condition. For further diagnosis, we can use advanced imaging techniques like x-rays, CT scans, or MRI to better understand the underlying issue. Then based on the findings, we can discuss the treatment options available for your condition and goals. From there, we can provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions. This may include fasting requirements, medication adjustments, and other preparations that need to be made prior to surgery. We will also discuss the available anesthesia options and provide information on their risks and benefits. As such, before we delve into the procedure, you are sure of what to expect. What Happens During Maxillofacial Surgery?Maxillofacial surgery is a complex and intricate procedure that requires a high level of skill and precision. We, therefore, work diligently to ensure every step of the procedure is performed to its best and with adequate precision. Before the surgery, our team carefully administers anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure. We utilize specialized instruments and techniques, such as bone cutting and drilling, to perform the necessary procedures. We use advanced imaging technology, such as CT scans and X-rays, to ensure precise placement to guide surgical instruments. Consequently, we carefully monitor your blood pressure and oxygen levels during the procedure to maximize your safety and well-being. We sometimes incorporate non-surgical techniques, such as laser therapy or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment, to optimize the procedure's outcome. While our team carefully plans the surgery, unexpected complications or findings may arise during the procedure. In such cases, our team is trained to respond quickly to these complications and counter them swiftly before they escalate. Overall, we take pride in ensuring you receive the highest quality of care during your maxillofacial surgery. AftercareAfter maxillofacial surgery, proper aftercare is crucial for a speedy and successful recovery. Our oral surgeon will provide detailed instructions on caring for your mouth and face in the days and weeks following the procedure. There are some important aspects of aftercare that our team at the clinic will emphasize. The length of your recovery will depend on the extent of the surgery and your body's response to it. You will definitely expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort several days after the visit. They should, however, subside on their own. If you experience unusual symptoms, be sure to contact our oral surgeons for evaluation before escalation. Our oral surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort you may experience during the recovery period. It's important to follow the instructions carefully and take the medication as directed. This will significantly lower your discomfort levels and accelerate your recovery process. Regular check-ups with our oral surgeon will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure that everything is healing properly. These appointments are crucial for identifying any potential complications and addressing them promptly. Keeping your mouth clean and free from infection is essential during the recovery period. Our oral surgeon will provide instructions on maintaining good oral hygiene and may recommend special rinses or other products to help prevent infection. By following our oral surgeon's aftercare instructions carefully, you can help ensure a successful recovery and minimize the risk of complications. Possible Risks and ComplicationsAlthough maxillofacial surgery is safe and commonly used, it poses some risks. Which, as a patient, you should be aware of. Infection is a possible risk of the surgery, despite the use of antibiotics and other preventive measures. Consequently, it can also result in nerve damage, which can escalate to other chronic conditions. However, this only happens on rare occasions. Ultimately, it's important to understand that every surgery carries some risk. Still, these risks can be minimized by carefully selecting an experienced and skilled oral surgeon and following pre-and post-operative instructions. In our case, our professionals will provide detailed information about the complications and offer remedy measures to minimize the risk. Benefits of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryOral and maxillofacial surgery offers a range of benefits that can improve your quality of life. These procedures can help treat jaw misalignment, sleep apnea, TMJ disorder, and facial trauma. It can also improve the appearance of the face, teeth, and jawline, enhancing your self-esteem and confidence. Additionally, the surgery can correct speech problems and make it easier to chew and eat comfortably. This procedure also allows dentists to replace your damaged teeth with dental implants. In short, this procedure is the ultimate solution to many dental-related problems. Overall, it is an incredibly versatile field that offers a range of benefits that can significantly improve your quality of life. Whether you're dealing with jaw misalignment, sleep apnea, facial trauma, or other oral and facial health issues, this specialized field can help you restore function, improve appearance, and boost your overall well-being. Preparing for maxillofacial surgery can be stressful, but with our team on your side, you can rest assured of a seamless process. At Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery, we take pride in providing compassionate care and personalized attention to each of our patients, and we are committed to ensuring that you receive the highest quality of care before, during, and after your surgery. Reach us at (980) 332-7990 to schedule a consultation. |
