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The Scope Of Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) is a dentistry specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, surgical, and adjunctive treatment of injuries, diseases, and defects that involve the aesthetics and functional aspects of the soft and hard tissue of the oral and maxillofacial region. Dentistry has a range of specialties, and oral and maxillofacial surgery serves as the arm that deals with surgery. There are a lot of dental-related surgical treatments, which makes the scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery involved.

The Scope Of Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery

The main difference between regular dentists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons is the additional training OMS surgeons have undergone in surgery. This means that the scope of practice in OMS is broad, and the surgeons can perform surgery in both a hospital and office setting, depending on the magnitude of the procedure.

The most common procedures usually performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons include surgical extractions of impacted teeth and the placement of dental implants. OMS surgeons are experts in correcting growth deformities of the facial bones and jaws by performing orthognathic surgery to correct oral function, treat obstructive sleep apnea, and restore facial harmony.

OMS surgeons can also remove tumors and cysts, both malignant and benign, from the patient’s face, mouth, and salivary glands. Aside from surgery, OMS surgeons also treat infections in the mouth, neck, and face.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have extensive training in anesthesia and can administer general sedation, minimum sedation, moderate IV sedation, and local anesthesia. Some of the common oral and maxillofacial surgeries usually performed by an OMS or referred by a dentist include dental implant surgery, wisdom teeth management, trauma surgery, facial injury, corrective jaw surgery, and cleft lip, among others. It is advisable to consult with an OMS expert to ensure that you meet the health and physical requirements.
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