Maxillofacial Surgery: What It Is and When You Might Need It

Medically reviewed by: Dr. S Sreekumar, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon - Written by Jasni Salim - Updated on 09/10/2024

Maxillofacial surgery is a type of surgery that specializes in resolving issues concerning the face, mouth, and jaw. Frequently referred to as oral and maxillofacial surgery, this procedure involves complex situations, including facial trauma, misalignment of the jaw, tumors, and congenital facial deformities. In the case of severe facial pain, discomfort, or functional issues related to the mouth and jaw, a Maxillofacial Surgeon in Kochi can help to determine if this kind of surgery is essential.

What Is Maxillofacial Surgery?

Maxillofacial surgery is a division of surgery that concentrates on the care of injuries, diseases, and defects in the face, neck, jaw, and oral cavity. This term encompasses a large variety of practices, including surgery on the jaws for corrective purposes, facial reconstruction, and the removal of impacted teeth, largely wisdom teeth. This specified surgery commonly demands superior knowledge of dentistry and surgery, and it is undertaken by professionals who have received training as oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is able to attend to both beauty and practical concerns. It is capable of being performed to enhance the visual look of the face following trauma or congenital anomalies or to fix functional problems associated with eating, speaking, or breathing.

Conditions Treated by Maxillofacial Surgery

Maxillofacial surgery is necessary for a diverse range of conditions, from trauma to those that arise congenitally. Some of the common conditions treated by oral and maxillofacial surgeons include:

Facial Trauma: Accidents, injuries from sports, or an assault can lead to serious facial trauma. Injuries to the jaw, cheekbones, or eye sockets may influence how they look and function. The purpose of oral and maxillofacial surgery is to treat facial injuries, reconstruct damaged or broken bones, and restore normal function.
Impacted Teeth: Wisdom teeth, in particular, can become impacted or fail to erupt properly, which can trigger pain, infections, and misalignment among other teeth. In these circumstances, maxillofacial surgery is routinely necessary to extract these teeth safely.
Jaw Misalignment: Problems associated with chewing, speaking, and oral health can result from underbite, overbite, and crossbite. Orthognathic surgery, which is a term for corrective jaw surgery, improves jaw function and appearance by helping to realign jaws.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: Temporomandibular joint disorders can be the source of chronic facial pain, headaches, and challenges associated with jaw movement. If these problems are severe, surgery might be essential for their correction.
Facial Deformities: Surgical intervention is necessary to fix the appearance and function of congenital conditions. Maxillofacial surgeons are fundamentally important in these reconstructive techniques.
Oral Cancer: The removal of oral or jaw tumors may be necessary for early cases of oral cancer. In a number of cases, maxillofacial surgeons are likely to perform reconstruction surgery subsequent to cancer therapy.

When You Might Need Maxillofacial Surgery

It’s vital to understand your need for a Maxillofacial Surgeon in Kochi at certain times. Here are some situations where this specialized surgery may be necessary:

Persistent Jaw Pain: Experiencing ongoing pain in your jaw, along with trouble moving it, could signal a more serious underlying condition. An examination by a maxillofacial surgeon can lead to a diagnosis and the suggestion of treatment.
Facial Injuries: Injuries that produce fractures or facial trauma usually require surgery in order to regain both function and appearance. Maxillofacial surgery provided immediately could help prevent further complications later on.
Misaligned Jaw: If there's a lack of alignment between your upper and lower jaws, it can result in problems with both chewing and speech, as well as potential problems like TMJ disorder. Corrective jaw surgery is capable of improving these conditions.
Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: The ability to eat and speak can be compromised by structural problems in the jaw or mouth. If these difficulties endure, maxillofacial surgery might be needed to resolve the main problem.
Tumors or Cysts in the Jaw: In case of a tumor or cyst diagnosis in your mouth or jaw, surgery may be essential to thwart further problems.

Preparing for Maxillofacial Surgery

Before undergoing a maxillofacial surgery, a complete evaluation by a maxillofacial surgeon is necessary. In order to get a comprehensive view of the affected area, your surgeon will probably ask for different diagnostic tests, including X-rays and CT scans. Depending on the level of complexity, surgeons may use local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or sedation for the surgery.

In addition, your surgeon will give you instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. This may comprise dietary regulations, medicines to avoid, and post-surgery care tips to facilitate correct healing. To achieve success, it is significant to follow these guidelines.

Recovery After Maxillofacial Surgery

Recovery times differ after maxillofacial surgery depending upon the procedure carried out. In general, following surgery, patients will likely encounter some swelling, bruising, and pain during the days that follow. Your surgeon will give you guidance on pain management and recommend what to do after the operation, like staying away from strenuous activities and consuming soft foods.

It is important to participate in follow-up appointments in order to track the healing progress and deal with any complications. Complete recovery may require several weeks, but the results whether functional or aesthetic, are often life-changing.

Conclusion

At EMC, the best hospital in Kochi, we feel great pride in offering world-class oral and maxillofacial surgery treatments. Our team of trained surgeons, experienced in performing elaborate procedures, includes expertise in both facial trauma reconstruction and corrective jaw surgery. With a focus on patient care and safety, we ensure that each patient receives personalized treatment and the best possible outcome.

Thanks to our cutting-edge technology, our facilities allow our specialists to carry out surgeries with both care and precision. At EMC, you are a member of a health and healing community beyond being just a patient. If you need maxillofacial surgery, look no further than EMC, where your well-being is our priority. You can look through our website for more information or set up a consultation with one of our Maxillofacial Surgeon in Kochi right away.