October is National Orthodontic Health Month, an opportunity to celebrate healthy smiles and raise awareness about the importance of orthodontic treatment and good oral health. While most people associate orthodontics with braces and aligners, creating a healthy, functional smile can sometimes involve more than simply moving teeth. In certain cases, an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon work together to prepare the teeth, mouth, and jaw for successful treatment.
What is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialty of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association. To become an oral surgeon, one must first complete dental school, followed by an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency. This residency lasts four to seven years, depending on the program, and is the longest residency of any of the dental specialties.
When does orthodontic treatment involve an oral surgeon?
Oral surgeons specialize in the extraction of third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, as well as infected and non-fixable teeth. We also remove healthy teeth when their removal is necessary to facilitate orthodontic treatment and braces.
In some patients, there simply isn’t enough room for all of the teeth to develop properly. Others may have impacted teeth, such as canines that are unable to erupt normally. In these situations, the orthodontist and oral surgeon work together to determine the best approach for the patient.
Oral surgeons may also play an important role when the position or development of the jaw affects a patient’s bite and facial structure. In more complex cases, corrective jaw surgery can be part of orthodontic treatment, with the orthodontist and oral surgeon working together to improve both function and appearance.
What else do oral surgeons do?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are devoted to performing surgery on the head and neck area, with much of this surgery involving the oral cavity. In addition to tooth removal and orthodontic-related procedures, we manage facial trauma, dental infections and conditions affecting the jaw and other areas of the head and neck.
We perform procedures ranging from repairing a small fracture of the jaw to reconstruction of complex facial injuries. Oral surgeons can also provide moderate and deep sedation in their offices as well as general anesthesia in some cases.
Dr. Michael Foran is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and partner at Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery, located at 19910 North Cove Road in Cornelius. Connect with the entire team at 704.892.1198 or visit CAROLINAOMS.COM.
