Sometimes, a dental issue goes beyond a simple cavity or cleaning. When a problem involves the jaw, the facial structure, or requires a more complex surgical approach, a specialized field of dentistry is called upon. This advanced discipline is known as oral and maxillofacial surgery. As a trusted dentist in Summerhill, we feel it’s important for our patients to understand what this specialty is all about. The name might sound complex, but at Dental Land, our goal is to make the process clear and comfortable. Think of this guide as a straightforward conversation about oral and maxillofacial surgery—what it is, what kinds of procedures it includes, and what you can expect when you’re in our care.
Understanding Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
So, what does that long name actually mean? You can think of oral and maxillofacial surgery as the important bridge between the worlds of dentistry and medicine. It’s a specialty focused on diagnosing and treating a wide range of diseases, injuries, and defects that involve both the hard tissues (like bone) and soft tissues of the head, neck, face, and jaws.
The training for this field is incredibly extensive. After dental school, these surgeons go on to complete years of hospital-based surgical and anesthesia training. This gives them a unique dual perspective, understanding how the function of your teeth and the aesthetics of your face all work together. This comprehensive knowledge ensures that any oral and maxillofacial surgery you receive is designed not just to fix a problem, but to do so in a way that looks and feels natural.
Common Types of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
This specialty covers a broad range of procedures, from the very common to the highly complex. If you’ve been recommended for any of the following treatments, you’re being guided toward the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery.
- Wisdom Tooth Removal: This is the procedure most people are familiar with. When wisdom teeth are impacted (stuck), growing in sideways, or causing pain, their surgical removal is often necessary to protect your overall oral health.
- Dental Implant Placement: Dental implants are the modern gold standard for replacing missing teeth. The precise surgical placement of the implant post into the jawbone is a key procedure within this specialty.
- Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery): This type of surgery is performed to correct irregularities in the jaw bones. It can dramatically improve a person’s bite, their ability to chew, and their facial symmetry when issues can’t be solved with orthodontics alone.
- Repair of Facial Trauma: In the case of an accident that results in a fractured jaw or other facial bones, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the expert called upon to perform the delicate and complex repairs.
Your Experience with Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Dental Land
We know that hearing the word “surgery” can make anyone feel a little anxious. Our first priority is always to make your experience feel safe, comfortable, and as stress-free as possible. Your journey through oral and maxillofacial surgery with us is a carefully planned and managed process.
It always starts with a thorough consultation. We’ll use advanced imaging and perform a comprehensive exam to get a complete picture of your situation. Then, we’ll sit down with you and explain our findings and your treatment options in clear, easy-to-understand language. We want to make sure you feel confident and informed every step of the way.
During your actual procedure, your comfort is our focus. These treatments are always performed with effective anesthesia options to ensure you feel no pain. Our team monitors you closely from start to finish. Afterward, we’ll send you home with detailed instructions to make your recovery as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Why Choose Dental Land for Your Procedure?
When it comes to any surgical procedure, the skill and experience of your team are paramount. At Dental Land, our clinicians have the advanced training required to perform oral and maxillofacial surgery with the highest degree of precision and care. We use modern technology in a sterile, safe environment, and our patient-focused approach means we are always centred on you—your health, your comfort, and your best possible outcome.
Conclusion: A Path to Restored Health and Function
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a vital dental specialty that provides life-changing solutions for issues that go beyond the scope of everyday dentistry. From safely removing a problematic wisdom tooth to precisely placing a dental implant, it plays a key role in restoring our patients’ health, function, and confidence. At Dental Land in Summerhill, Ontario, you can rest assured that you are in professional, compassionate, and highly skilled hands.
If you believe you may need one of these procedures or have concerns about your oral health, we invite you to contact our Summerhill office to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is oral and maxillofacial surgery painful?
The procedure itself is not painful because it is performed under effective anesthesia. You can expect some post-operative discomfort, but this is typically well-managed with medication and proper at-home care.
2. Will I need a referral from my general dentist to see you?
While many patients are referred to us by their dentist, a referral is not always required. You are welcome to contact our office directly to schedule a consultation so we can assess your needs.
3. How long is the recovery time?
Recovery really depends on the procedure. Recovering from a simple wisdom tooth extraction might take a few days, while recovery from a more complex jaw surgery will be longer. We will always give you a clear and detailed recovery plan.
4. How is this different from the work my regular dentist does?
Your general dentist is the expert in managing your overall oral health. The field of oral and maxillofacial surgery focuses on more complex procedures that involve the bone and soft tissues of the face and jaw, which require years of additional, specialized hospital-based training.
