Oral and maxillofacial surgery, a.k.a. max fax surgery, involves the treatment of the tissues in the mouth such as lips, tongue, cheeks, and salivary glands, as well as diseases involving the teeth and jaw joints.

This surgical field usually includes various procedures such as tooth extractions, jaw fractures, and removal of tumors. In addition, specialists in this field can also provide general recommendations to patients regarding oral, dental, and maxillofacial health. They act together in the field of oral and maxillofacial radiology.

What is Maxillofacial Surgery?

Maxillofacial surgery is a surgical branch that deals with the face and jaw area. This branch of surgery usually examines congenital facial disorders, jaw fractures caused by maxillofacial trauma, and similar conditions. The surgeon here is a doctor specialized in this field and usually works together with dentists, plastic surgeons, and otolaryngologists. When necessary, the patient is asked to have a maxillofacial CT scan.

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a doctor who specializes in additional surgical training, usually after dental training. They perform various surgical interventions and usually works in a multidisciplinary team. 

Oral and maxillofacial surgical approach offers a wide range of treatments. These treatments include procedures such as tooth extractions, repair of jaw fractures, aesthetic surgical interventions, and tumor removal. The treatment plan is individualized depending on the patient’s condition and needs.

What are Temporomandibular Joint Disorders?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a joint system located between the jaw bones and provides jaw movements. Disorders in this joint are called temporomandibular joint disorders. Such disorders usually manifest themselves with symptoms such as jaw pain, jaw locking, and jaw movement limitation. Such disorders constitute a specific area within oral and maxillofacial surgery.

TMJ arthrocentesis is a surgical procedure that aims to restore function by removing fluid from the joint and flushing the joint. If there is disc repositioning and the jaw discs have slipped out of place, the surgeon can move them into the correct position and thus correct jaw movements. In addition, the surgical procedure performed to remove damaged or deformed tissues in the joint and to reorganize their surfaces is called reconstruction.

What is Periodontal and Orthognathic Surgery?

Periodontal surgery is a branch that includes the surgical treatment of gum diseases. Gum diseases usually occur with problems such as gingival recession and gingivitis. The periodontal surgeon tries to correct such conditions with surgical interventions and focuses on restoring the oral health of patients.

Orthognathic surgery is a branch that aims to correct structural disorders in the jaw and facial bones. Such surgical interventions usually aim to correct congenital jaw disorders or jaw deformities caused by trauma. Orthognathic surgery can improve the quality of life of patients by providing aesthetic and functional improvements.

What are Oral Pathology and Oral Oncology?

Oral pathology is a branch that examines and diagnoses diseases that occur in and around the mouth. Experts in this field evaluate and diagnose various pathological conditions such as lesions, tumors, and inflammation in the mouth. Oral pathology is of great importance for early diagnosis and treatment.

On the other hand, oral oncology is a surgical branch that deals with cancer types that develop in and around the mouth. Specialists in this field diagnose conditions such as oral cancers, tongue cancers, and lip cancers and create treatment plans. Oral oncology is a field that requires a multidisciplinary approach and often requires working together with oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Recovery Periods

The recovery process after any operation within the scope of oral, dental, and maxillofacial surgery varies depending on the type of surgical intervention performed, the general health status of the patient, and whether the postoperative care is managed effectively. 

The first few hours after the surgical intervention is the process of the patient waking up and being under control. During this period, the patient is usually closely monitored in an observation unit as they struggle with the effects of anesthesia. 

Pain control, infection prevention, and swelling reduction measures are important in the first few days. The patient can usually use painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs for the first few days. It is also common practice to reduce swelling with ice application.

In the first week, the patient usually has check-ups and the surgical site is evaluated by the surgeon. Removal of sutures, wound care, and assessment of general health status are important components of this period. 

Within the first month, most patients’ pain and discomfort levels are significantly reduced. However, in some cases, full recovery may take longer. Patients usually begin to gradually return to their normal activities during this period.

The period after six months is usually a time when the surgical intervention has fully healed and the results become more evident. However, each patient’s healing process is different and in some cases, full recovery can take a year or more. Istanbul Dental Center offers treatments that prioritize the comfort and happiness of its patients in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. You can reach us from our contact information.

Is root canal treatment performed within the scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery?

Root canal treatment and tooth filling are non-surgical procedures. A maxillofacial surgeon performs more extensive and surgical operations.

What is the average price of an operation in oral and maxillofacial surgery?

There is no net price for any surgical procedure in this branch. Prices may vary depending on factors such as the scope of the operation and the surgeon’s expertise.

What is a wisdom tooth?

Wisdom teeth are the third molars, also called wisdom teeth, located at the back of the tooth row. These teeth, which usually erupt in the twenties, often partially erupt or remain embedded in the jawbone due to reasons such as space limitation in the jaw, deviation in the eruption position, or bone density in the relevant area.