What is Maxillofacial Surgery

Maxillofacial surgery includes surgical procedures to treat structural abnormalities, injuries and diseases in the mouth and jaw areas. Such surgical procedures can be performed to provide both aesthetic and functional improvements. Maxillofacial surgery is a broader medical field, also known as maxillofacial surgery, which deals with oral, dental and jaw health. Jaw surgery may be needed for conditions such as

Teeth extraction procedures (e.g. removal of impacted teeth),

Removal of cysts or tumors in the jawbone,

Treatment of problems in the jaw joint (e.g. TMJ disorders),

Repair of jaw fractures,

Correction of congenital or acquired deformities in facial bones,

Surgical correction of overbite disorders that cannot be corrected with braces,

Procedures involving the repositioning of the jaw bones, known as orthognathic surgery,

Implant applications and other procedures involving the jaw bones.

Which diseases does maxillofacial surgery treat?

Maxillofacial surgery provides treatment for a wide range of conditions and diseases. Surgeons in this field address a range of problems affecting the structure of the mouth, face and jaw. Here are some common conditions that maxillofacial surgery deals with:

Teething: Removing teeth that are impacted or teeth that come in abnormally, such as wisdom teeth.

Orthognathic Surgery: Surgical procedures to correct misalignments between the upper and lower jaws. These procedures are done to treat disorders of the jaw joints and functional problems such as chewing, speaking or breathing.

Jaw Fractures: Repair of jaw fractures due to trauma in the facial area.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Problems such as pain, loss of function or restriction of movement in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.

Cysts and Tumors: Surgical removal of cysts and tumors that form in the jawbone or soft tissues.

Reconstructive Surgery: Reconstruction of the jaw and facial area damaged by accident, injury or disease.

Problems in the Jaw Joint: Conditions such as arthritis in the jaw joint or improper functioning of the jaw joint.

Sleep Apnea: In severe cases, jaw surgery can be used to widen the airway and treat sleep apnea.

Dental Implants: Placing implants in the jawbone to replace lost teeth.

Facial Aesthetics: Jaw and face reshaping procedures performed for aesthetic purposes.

What does Maxillofacial Surgery do?

Maxillofacial surgery is a branch of medicine that treats anatomical disorders, diseases and injuries in the mouth, teeth, jaw and face. Surgeons in this field perform various surgical procedures to ensure both aesthetic and functional recovery of patients. The main functions of maxillofacial surgery include the following:

Tooth Extraction: This includes routine procedures, especially the removal of impacted teeth and wisdom teeth.

Orthognathic Surgery: Surgical procedures to correct the position of the jawbone. These procedures are aimed at correcting disorders in the jaw joints and addressing functional and aesthetic problems such as chewing, speech or facial aesthetics.

Treatment of Jaw Fractures: Fixation and repair of fractures caused by traumas in the face and jaw area.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Treatments: Treatment of problems such as pain, loss of function or restriction of movement in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.

Removal of Cysts and Tumors: Surgical removal of cysts and tumors in the jawbone or soft tissues.

Reconstructive Surgery: Aesthetic and functional reconstruction of the jaw and facial area damaged by accidents, injuries or diseases.

Dental Implants: Reconstruction of teeth with artificial roots (implants) placed in the jawbone to replace lost teeth.

Sleep Apnea Surgery: Surgical procedures for the treatment of respiratory problems such as sleep apnea, usually performed to open the airway.

Aesthetic Procedures: Surgical procedures to improve facial aesthetics can include reshaping the jaw and face.

Who performs Maxillofacial Surgery?

Maxillofacial surgery is performed by specialized doctors who perform surgical procedures in the mouth, face and jaw area. These doctors are usually known as “Oral, Facial and Maxillofacial Surgery” specialists. Oral, Facial and Maxillofacial Surgeons have received advanced education and specialized training in both dentistry and medical faculties. This double-disciplinary training equips them with the knowledge and skills to perform complex surgical interventions of the facial and jaw structure.

Oral, Facial and Maxillofacial Surgeons can perform the following types of procedures:

Embedded tooth extraction and other complex tooth extraction procedures

Treatment of jaw fractures

Orthognathic surgery (reshaping of the jawbone)

Removal of cysts and tumors

Treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

Facial aesthetic surgeries

Dental implants and bone graft procedures

Surgical interventions for the treatment of sleep apnea

Does jaw surgery perform surgery?

Yes, jaw surgery does surgery. Maxillofacial surgery involves surgical procedures to treat various health problems in the mouth, face and jaw area. These surgical interventions are aimed at providing both aesthetic and functional improvements and usually cover situations such as:

Orthognathic Surgery: It is used when it is necessary to reposition the upper and/or lower jaw. This is done to correct disorders of the jaw joints, solve bite problems and improve facial aesthetics.

Tooth Extraction: Complex tooth extractions, such as the removal of embedded teeth or mental teeth, are performed as part of maxillofacial surgery.

Repair of Jaw Fractures: Fixing and repairing jaw fractures caused by trauma in the facial area.

Removal of Cysts and Tumors: Surgical removal of cysts and tumors in the jawbone or soft tissues.

Treatment of TMJ Disorders: Surgical interventions for the treatment of temporomandibular joint (jaw joint) disorders.

Dental Implants: The installation of artificial roots (implants) placed in the jawbone to replace the lost teeth.

Reconstructive Surgery and Facial Aesthetics: Surgical procedures performed to correct accidents, injuries or congenital deformities and improve facial aesthetics.

How much is jaw surgery for?

The cost of jaw surgery varies greatly depending on many factors. These factors include the type of surgical procedure, the complexity of the procedure, the materials and technology used, the patient’s health status, the surgeon’s experience and location, and the geographical location of the hospital or clinic. Dec. In addition, the treatments required before and after the procedure, the type of anesthesia and the facilities provided by the health institution where the operation will be performed are also factors affecting the cost.

The costs of maxillofacial surgery in Turkey can vary on a wide range from a simple tooth extraction to complex orthognathic surgery. For example, removing an embedded tooth is usually a more affordable procedure, while more complex procedures such as orthognathic surgery may have higher costs. In addition, if the treatment is covered by health insurance, the amount covered by the insurance may also affect the cost.

Who should have jaw surgery?

People who need jaw surgery are usually people who have experienced one or more of the following conditions:

Orthognathic Problems: Those who experience problems such as bite problems caused by the incompatibility of the upper and lower jaw, pain and dysfunction of the jaw joints.

Facial Symmetry Problems: Those who are dissatisfied with the appearance of the face due to aesthetic concerns, such as asymmetry in the face or abnormalities in the jaw structure.

Jaw Fractures: People with jaw fractures caused by trauma or accident in the facial area.

Embedded Teeth: People who need to have embedded teeth removed, especially mental teeth.

Cysts or Tumors: People with cysts or tumors in the jawbone or soft tissues.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Those who experience pain, restricted mobility, or other TMJ disorders due to the jaw joint not working properly.

Extensive Tooth Losses: People who require dental implants to compensate for tooth losses without adequate bone support.

Sleep Apnea: People with severe sleep apnea conditions and other treatments don’t work may sometimes require surgery to widen the airway.

Speech Problems: Those who experience speech disorders due to abnormalities in the jaw structure.

Is jaw surgery risky?

Jaw surgery, like other surgical procedures, involves some risks and potential complications. However, these risks are usually low and can be minimized with careful preoperative planning, patient selection and surgeon’s experience. Below are some common risks and potential complications that may be associated with jaw surgery:

Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection during jaw surgery. However, with proper sterilization techniques and postoperative care, this risk can be reduced to a minimal level.

Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during and after surgery, but this can usually be controlled.

Nerve Damage: Due to the proximity of the nerves in the jaw and facial area, temporary or permanent nerve damage can rarely occur. This can lead to problems such as facial numbness or loss of sensation.

Risks Associated with Anesthesia: The use of general anesthesia carries some risks, but these risks are quite low with modern anesthesia techniques and careful patient monitoring.

Problems during the Recovery Process: The postoperative recovery process varies from individual to individual, and in some cases, recovery may take longer than expected or complications may be encountered.

Dissatisfaction with Aesthetic Results: Although jaw surgery provides aesthetic and functional improvements, some patients may not be fully satisfied with the results obtained.

Changes in Bite and Jaw Movements: During the postoperative period, temporary changes in jaw functions such as chewing and speech may occur.

Is jaw surgery difficult?

Technical Complexity: Maxillofacial surgery requires a high level of expertise and experience due to the complex anatomy of the face and jaw structure. The surgeon must work with sensitive structures such as nerves, blood vessels and November muscle tissue in order to optimize both aesthetic and functional results.

Long Training Process: Maxillofacial surgeons receive specialized training in dentistry and then oral, facial and maxillofacial surgery. This long and intensive training process requires a wide range of knowledge and surgical skill sets.

Patient Management: Managing patients’ expectations can be challenging, especially when it comes to aesthetic interventions. Surgeons must balance the wishes of patients with realistic results and develop the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient.

Challenges For Patients:

Preoperative Anxiety: Maxillofacial surgery can be anxiety-inducing for patients, especially when it comes to large and complex procedures. Patients may be concerned about the results of the operation, potential complications and the recovery process.

Recovery Process: The recovery process after jaw surgery may include difficulties such as pain, swelling, dietary restrictions, and time to return to normal activities. This process requires the patient’s patience and compliance.

Cost and Access: Maxillofacial surgery, especially for extensive procedures, can be high-cost and may not be easily accessible to all patients.

How is jaw shift detected?

Jaw shift is a condition in which the jaw moves out of its normal position or jaw alignment is disturbed. This can occur for various reasons, especially as a result of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, trauma, dental problems, or certain health conditions. The symptoms of a jaw shift are usually noticed with physical discomfort and changes in appearance. Here are some common symptoms of jaw shift:

Pain and Discomfort: A feeling of pain or discomfort in the jaw, face, neck, or ears is a common symptom of a jaw shift.

Difficulty Chewing and Speaking: A violation of the jaw alignment may cause difficulty during chewing or abnormalities in speaking.

Sound at the Jaw Joint: Crunching, clicking, or squeaking sounds may be heard when the jaw is moved (for example, when opening or closing the mouth).

Limitation in Jaw Movements: Inability to fully open the jaw or a feeling of limitation in jaw movements can be a sign of slipping.

Facial Asymmetry: Jaw shift can lead to asymmetry, such as one side of the face being more forward or backward than the other.

Failure to Close the Teeth Properly: Closing of the upper and lower teeth in a different way than usual, or the formation of a gap between the Decals.

Feeling of Fatigue: Fatigue may be felt due to long-term pain or discomfort, especially in the jaw and facial muscles. Nov.

Headaches: Jaw problems, especially TMJ disorders, can cause frequent headaches.