Maxillofacial by Dr. Luis Gavin

What does Maxillofacial mean?

maxillofacial (maksil´ōfā´shəl), adj pertaining to the jaws and face. n.pl the wounds to the midface area involving the premaxillary, maxillary, malar, lacrimal, nasal, and vomer bones and the tissues overlying these skeletal structures.

What is a Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Maxillofacial surgeons, sometimes called oral and maxillofacial surgeons, are trained to handle a wide variety of conditions and injuries that affect the head, neck, mouth, jaw, and face.

What does a Maxillofacial Surgeon do?

Maxillofacial surgeons are qualified to treat a number of conditions related to the head and neck area, including:

Misaligned jaws
Impacted wisdom teeth
Oral reconstructive surgery
Cancers of the head and neck
Dental implants

These surgeons are also trained in anesthesia and pain control, with a focus on anesthesia that allows you to walk out of the office at the end of your appointment. In general, maxillofacial surgeons perform surgeries to correct problems or make cosmetic changes. These surgeries are generally outpatient procedures. They will also provide you with a course for recovery after the surgery and may offer follow-up appointments.

Areas of Expertise

Sedation Dentistry Oral and Dental Surgery ‘ Pain-Free Guarantee’ Implants with Bone Grafting Gum Bleeding, Periodontist needle-free treatment with Ozone, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), and Stem Cells Cellular Regeneration and Stem Cells for Dental and Sports Medicine Ozone Therapy Ozone Medicine Dental Ozone Virus and corona infection with Ozone Bad Sleep, Sleep Apnea without CPAP machine, Snoring, Stress, Insomnia Neuro-muscular Dentistry Temporo Mandibular Joint (TMJ) Maxillofacial Surgeon Tinnitus, vertigo Facial Aesthetics Sports Medicine Back Pain

What Conditions Does a Maxillofacial Surgeon Treat?

A maxillofacial surgeon may treat a number of conditions. Maxillofacial surgeons treat many of the same conditions as oral surgeons; in fact, depending on the doctor, the terms may be interchangeable. Regardless of the term, maxillofacial surgeons use their expertise to handle moderately invasive procedures in the face and neck.

Dental Implants

Maxillofacial surgeons can remove teeth and replace them with synthetic options. These implants remain in your jaw permanently, acting as a replacement tooth. They may have health or cosmetic benefits.

Reconstructive or Reparative Surgery

These surgeons can shave bones, readjust joints, or even help reconstruct broken sockets. If your face or jaw are broken or misaligned, they can help repair it and reduce your discomfort.

Cleft Lip or Palate

Some birth defects can lead to cleft lips and palates. This condition can have both cosmetic and health effects on a person for life. Maxillofacial surgeons can help repair this type of birth defect through surgery.

Reasons to See a Maxillofacial Surgeon

There are a few reasons you might see a maxillofacial surgeon. Your dentist or doctor may refer you to them, or if you are injured. they may be one of your emergency care doctors. Here are a few reasons why people end up seeing a maxillofacial surgeon.

Skeletal Problems

Most maxillofacial surgeons work at least in part to help correct skeletal problems such as misaligned jaws. If you have chronic temporomandibular joint pain, known as TMJ, your dentist may refer you to a maxillofacial surgeon.

Facial, Oral, or Neck Cancer

Cancers of the face, neck, and jaw are often removed by maxillofacial surgeons. These specialists have the training to remove the tumor without damaging the delicate nerves that run throughout your head and neck.

Reconstructive Surgery

If you get in an accident and injure your face, you may end up getting maxillofacial surgery. Some of these surgeons specialize in reconstructive surgery to repair broken jaws, cheekbones, and teeth. Maxillofacial surgeons can also insert dental implants to replace teeth that are lost entirely.

Cosmetic Surgery

Finally, maxillofacial surgeons can also treat cosmetic problems. If you are interested in getting dental implants or simply changing the profile of your face, you may end up working with one of these doctors to achieve your appearance goals.