Maxillofacial surgery is a specialized field in dentistry that involves the diagnosis, treatment, and management of complex diseases, injuries, and defects found in the maxillofacial region. The scope is mainly the mouth, jaws, face, and neck.
This specialized study is practiced by dentists who have received advanced education, training, and experience to be able to detect and treat extensive problems that may include facial injuries, head and neck cancers, jaw joint disorders, congenital deformities, impacted teeth, and cysts and tumours of the jaws, among many others.
The main goal of maxillofacial surgeons is to improve the patient’s quality of life. This includes addressing both functional and aesthetic concerns so that the patient can comfortably bite, chew, speak, eat, and talk.
In this read, we will explore maxillofacial surgery, the diagnostic tools and techniques that can be used for treatment, what the procedure is like, and the recovery process after.
Types of Maxillofacial Surgery
The procedures that are involved in maxillofacial surgery are done to relieve signs and symptoms such as pain and discomfort, enhance the facial appearance, restore the normal functions of the mouth and jaw, and improve the patient’s life in the long term.
Some of the common types of maxillofacial surgery are:
- Removal of Impacted Teeth
While impacted teeth can be removed by an oral surgeon, you may be referred to a maxillofacial specialist for more complex cases. This may include deep impaction, close proximity to nerves, blood vessels, and sinus, and for patients who have pre-existing medical conditions that complicate the procedure.
- Trauma Surgery
Facial and dental injuries due to accidents, falls, and violence may be treated with maxillofacial surgery. This includes, but is not limited to, fractures, lacerations, and deformities. After trauma surgery, facial reconstruction is done to bring back the natural appearance of the face.
- Orthognathic Surgery
This is recommended to patients who have misaligned jaws, bite problems, and an asymmetrical face. An area of the jaw is removed, reconstructed, or repositioned to correct the bite, change the facial profile and appearance, and improve the form and function of the teeth and jaws.
- Reconstructive Surgery
Patients who have experienced trauma, disease, or have congenital defects that have significantly affected the function and form of their face can undergo reconstructive surgery. The goal is to restore and rebuild the affected areas so the patient can live as normally as possible.
- Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery
Congenital birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate, can cause problems with breathing, speaking, and eating. Early intervention through maxillofacial surgery can close the cleft to help with a normal development and minimize any negative impact to the child’s overall health and wellbeing.
- Removal of Cysts and Tumors
Maxillofacial surgery is also involved in the diagnosis and treatment of cysts, tumours, and other growths in the head and neck region. Depending on the size, a part of or the entire area is removed, assessed, and diagnosed to determine the presence of disease. From this, timely and suitable treatment can be done to manage the disease and prevent further complications.
Diagnostic Tools and Techniques
Accurate diagnosis is crucial in maxillofacial surgery to better understand the disease and provide the proper treatment. Some tools that the surgeon can use are:
- Clinical Examination – a visual inspection of the affected areas can help get an overview of the signs and symptoms. Aside from a thorough physical assessment, a comprehensive review of the medical and dental history is also done.
- Imaging Techniques – to create a definitive diagnosis, the surgeon may take X-rays and scans (CT scan, MRI). This will further assess the condition as it provides a more focused and detailed view of the problem areas. Advanced imaging systems increase the confidence in diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Laboratory Tests – if pathological conditions are present, such as cysts and tumors, biopsies and microbial analysis may be performed. This will determine whether the case is benign or malignant and will dictate the appropriate course of treatment.
Surgical Techniques and Procedures
While there are several types of maxillofacial surgeries, with each involving specific procedures, here’s what you can generally expect for the surgical treatment:
- Pre-operative Planning
An initial consultation will be carried out to assess the case, determine the concern, diagnose the condition, understand the goals, and create and discuss the treatment plan.
- Administering Sedatives
On surgery day, you will receive your recommended sedation technique. This can be local anaesthetic, oral sedation, IV sedation, laughing gas, or general anaesthesia. This is usually determined by the difficulty of the procedure and your level of comfort during treatment.
- Surgical Procedure
Some treatment approaches that can be done for maxillofacial surgery are minimally invasive surgery, guided surgery, or laser-assisted surgery. This will be discussed in detail on your treatment plan so you can better understand the procedure involved.
- Post-operative Care
Your surgical team will provide you with a set of post-surgical guidelines to relieve any symptoms, promote good healing, and improve your recovery experience. This will include instructions for medications, diet, activity, and wound care. It is important that these aftercare tips are followed to prevent complications that may compromise the treatment success.
- Recovery
If you are required for hospital stay, your surgeon will check on you every now and then to assess your recovery. This is especially for complex procedures such as facial rehabilitations. Some surgical procedures may also be done in phases and recovery from one is crucial to advance to the next treatment step. But, if you are recommended for home care, follow-up appointments will be scheduled accordingly for progress check.
- Rehabilitation
For some patients, rehabilitation may be required to regain full function. This may include physical therapy, speech therapy, and even psychological support. These are necessary after treatment to encourage long-term results.
Contact Us Today
Maxillofacial surgery is a highly specialized field that requires careful planning, precise diagnosis, and expert execution to ensure predictable and successful outcomes for both function and appearance.
For more information about maxillofacial surgery, contact our team and let us discuss the treatment options that may help you live a better and healthier life.