The specialty of Oral and Maxillo Facial Surgery is a relatively new specialty
as far as the Indian public is concerned though it has been a well-established
surgical discipline in most developed countries.
It is a specialty, which deals with the surgical management of diseases that
affect the mouth and face including the jawbones. The diseases range from
infections in the jaws and face, to cancer in the Oral Cavity, which is
very much prevalent in India. It also includes a wide range of other diseases
that affect the mouth.
The Maxillo Facial surgeon specializes in treating
accident victims who suffer fractures of the facial bones. Apart from contrary belief, this area of injury does not fall under a general orthopedic
surgeon, and hence this area forms an important aspect of the specialty.
The specialty also performs cosmetic facial surgery involving surgical correction
of deformed jawbones, nose and cheekbones for e.g. Orthognathic surgery. It also deals with surgical correction of patients born with congenital
anomalies involving facial deformities (e.g.) Cleft lip
and Palate Repair
The Temporomandibular joint, which is a unique joint in the body, also comes
under the preview of this specialty.
The day-to-day area of work of an oral surgeon includes
>> Removal of impacted
wisdom teeth.
>> Removal of teeth with twisted roots, which are deeply
hooked
within the bone.
>> Treatment of swellings due to infection
e.g. drainage of pus from the various space
infection
>> Removal of benign growths in the mouth
