There are many types of surgeries
that are done in order to correct malfunctions within the body. One such
category of surgery that is performed frequently is oral, or maxillofacial
surgeries. These classes of surgeries target defects that could affect the
facial area which include the face, jaw, neck or head. This can include soft
tissues in the affected areas inside the body.
Within the United States, maxillofacial surgery is a term that is used to describe a specialty in
dentistry. In other places across the world such as in the United Kingdom,
maxillofacial surgery is considered a medical specialty. This form of surgery
is regulated under the American Dental Association. Under normal circumstances,
the surgeon performing the procedure has received training in medicine,
dentistry and surgery. Some of the specialties within maxillofacial surgery may
include cancers of the neck and head, craniofacial surgery and cosmetic facial
surgery.
This field is highly renowned due to the versatility and diversity with which
surgeons can practice. Firstly, there is the correction of facial deformities
in which injuries that can disfigure the face are corrected. Sometimes, the
surgery is necessary in order to restore proper function to the affected body
part. Thomas Ocheltree is an expert in the industry and can provide you with more information on how some of
these specific procedures can correct issues in the body.
Oncology also happens to be a field within this area of surgery, claims Thomas
Ocheltree. Tumors can appear in the neck, jaw, salivary glands and head. There
are also specialists that are assigned to handle special conditions such as
throat cancer.
With trauma surgery, the focus is placed on the soft and hard tissues of the
facial region that are damaged, typically due to accidents, violence and falls.
Cosmetic surgery operates under a similar premise, as the surgery is designed
to enhance the appearance of the face. One should be advised as to when to see
an oral or maxillofacial surgeon when necessary.
One of the first indications that you may need to see one of these surgeons is
if you were referred by a doctor or other specialists. For those who suffer
from certain facial deformities, general physicians or dentists refer them to
maxillofacial surgeons to get the appropriate procedure done.
A head or neck cancer diagnosis is also an indication that surgery will be
needed in order to remove tumors that can affect the face. In addition, if
there are residual cancer cells that are left over, patients will have to
proceed to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in order to bring the cancer out of
the body. There are other issues such as temporomandibular joint disorder and
other deformities that can affect one’s quality of life which will dictate
surgical intervention. For further information on some of the conditions that
may dictate surgical intervention, you could consult information from Dr.
Thomas Ocheltree, or other experts in the industry.
The workplace
dynamic of oral and maxillofacial surgeons often finds them working at dental
practices, medical centers and hospitals. These surgeons are permitted the
opportunity to advance in their careers as a professor at dental school or
working as a supervisor for residents who are training. Some choose to open
their own practices to explore more possibilities.
Being a surgeon is physically demanding work, and oral surgeons are often
subject to working very long and tiring shifts. Surgical procedures such as those
involving the oral cavity are often complex and very intricate. Attention to
detail is very important, because a surgical malfunction could severely
exacerbate an already existing issue. Therefore, one surgical procedure may not
be completed for hours on end. There are also times where surgeons will be
called in for emergencies for conditions requiring immediate intervention.
Anesthesia plays a crucial role in many oral surgeries as well. In the United
States, oral surgeons are required to have five months of intensive anesthesia
training, and an additional month of pediatric anesthesia training. The proper
programs are clearly defined under guidelines described by The American Society
of Anesthesiologists.
As you can see, oral maxillofacial surgery is comprised of surgeons who have a
unique knowledge base and skill set to correct issues involving the head, face
and neck area. These dental professionals are highly qualified and incorporate
both medicine and dentistry into their field of practice.
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