Oral and maxillofacial surgery, as offered at Melanie Parker Orthodontics in San Diego, CA, is a specialized procedure aimed at correcting a wide spectrum of diseases, injuries, and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws, and both hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. It is a recognized international surgical specialty and one of the nine specialties of dentistry acknowledged by the American Dental Association.
What Does an Oral Surgeon Do?
At Melanie Parker Orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are recognized dental specialists who, after completing dental school, undergo surgical training in an American Dental Association-accredited hospital-based residency program for a minimum of four years. They work alongside medical residents in fields such as internal medicine, general surgery, and anesthesiology, and also rotate through otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), plastic surgery, and emergency medicine. Their training, focusing on the face, mouth, and jaws, allows them to diagnose and treat both functional and aesthetic conditions in these areas.
What Conditions and Treatments Does an Oral Surgeon Provide?
At Melanie Parker Orthodontics in San Diego, CA, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are equipped to provide treatments for a wide range of conditions thanks to their extensive education and hands-on training.
Corrective Jaw Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery, available at Melanie Parker Orthodontics, can help address issues like difficulty chewing, excessive tooth wear, or sleep apnea by repositioning the upper or lower jaw. This surgery improves the alignment of jaws and teeth, enhancing chewing, speaking, and breathing.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
The team at Melanie Parker Orthodontics in San Diego emphasizes the importance of wisdom teeth removal, particularly when they are impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infections, decay, and gum disease if not treated early. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recommends extraction to prevent future complications.
Cleft Palate Treatment
Untreated cleft palates can cause problems with feeding, speech, and hearing. Surgeons at Melanie Parker Orthodontics work alongside other health care professionals to correct this condition through surgeries and treatments over time, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients.
Maxillofacial Injuries
At Melanie Parker Orthodontics, the expertise of oral and maxillofacial surgeons is crucial when treating maxillofacial injuries, which often involve broken bones in the jaw or face. These injuries can affect vital functions such as breathing, speaking, and swallowing. The San Diego team encourages the use of protective gear like seat belts and mouthguards to help prevent these injuries.
TMJ Disorders
If you’re in San Diego, CA and suffer from jaw pain, headaches, or clicking sounds in the jaw, Melanie Parker Orthodontics offers expert care for Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). Treatment options range from conservative therapies to more complex surgeries if necessary.
Oral Cancer Detection and Biopsies
Regular self-exams for signs of oral cancer, such as white patches or difficulty swallowing, are essential. Melanie Parker Orthodontics advises contacting their office in San Diego if these signs are present. Oral surgeons can perform biopsies to diagnose and begin treatment.
Dental Implants
For those missing teeth, Melanie Parker Orthodontics in San Diego offers dental implants, which are a long-term, stable option for tooth replacement. Implants fuse with the jawbone, offering a secure and natural-looking alternative to traditional dentures.
Outpatient Anesthesia
At Melanie Parker Orthodontics, the oral surgeons are trained in administering safe outpatient anesthesia, including local anesthesia, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Their training ensures that patients receive expert care before, during, and after their procedure.
Whether you’re considering dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, or jaw surgery, the dedicated team at Melanie Parker Orthodontics in San Diego, CA, is here to provide expert care in all aspects of oral and maxillofacial surgery.