Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
perform intricate surgeries on
jaws, teeth, lips, and the surrounding structures.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons may diagnose
a patient’s misaligned jaws,
obstructive sleep apnea,
or cancers of the mouth.
They perform surgery that removes
tumors or impacted teeth…
adjust the position of the jaw
to be more functional and comfortable…
or provide structure and symmetry
to the appearance of the face and mouth.
Some provide emergency treatment
of facial injuries,
or may reconstruct a patient’s jaws
and face after an illness.
They may also administer conscious sedation
for patients who need it,
when full anesthesia is not indicated.
These surgeons may work in hospitals
for more complicated operations,
but usually spend most of their time
in a dental office
with an outpatient surgery suite.
They collaborate with other professionals,
like orthodontists and restorative dentists
to plan treatment for diseases, injuries,
and defects of the mouth.
They typically work full-time.
Becoming an oral and maxillofacial surgeon
requires a doctoral degree
from dental school,
dentistry licensure,
and a four- to six-year surgical residency…
after which they must obtain board certification.
Many also obtain a
medical doctor degree as well.
The extensive training and experience
these surgeons bring to their work
enables them to solve
complex problems and relieve patients’ pain…
right when it’s needed the most.