Dental & Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Department of Dental & Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

What is Dental & Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?

This specialty is a unique bridge between medicine and dentistry, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects involving the entire head, neck, face, jaws, and the hard and soft tissues of the oral (mouth) and maxillofacial (jaws and face) region. It encompasses a broad scope of practice, from routine dental care like fillings and extractions to highly complex surgical procedures like corrective jaw surgery and facial trauma reconstruction. The specialty aims to restore function, improve aesthetics, and maintain overall oral and facial health.

Common Conditions Managed

This department addresses a wide range of dental and facial issues:

• ✓General Dental Problems: Tooth decay (cavities), gum disease, and the need for root canals or crowns.
• ✓Impacted Teeth: Particularly wisdom teeth that are stuck and unable to erupt properly.
• ✓Facial Trauma: Fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, nose, and eye sockets.
• ✓Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery): To correct bite problems and facial imbalances.
• ✓Cysts and Tumors: Benign or malignant growths in the mouth and jaws.
• ✓Missing Teeth: Requiring replacement with dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
• ✓Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Problems with the jaw joint that can cause pain and limited movement.

Diagnostic and Treatment Approaches

Diagnosis relies on a clinical examination and advanced imaging, such as a panoramic X-ray (OPG) or a Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan, which provides a 3D view of the facial bones and teeth. Treatments are diverse. General dentistry involves procedures like fillings, root canal therapy, and crowns. Orthodontics uses braces or clear aligners to straighten teeth. For surgical issues, common procedures include wisdom tooth extraction and the placement of dental implants to act as artificial tooth roots. More complex surgeries, like facial fracture repair or corrective jaw surgery, are performed in an operating theatre setting.