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2 Convenient Locations - please call the office for an appointment and insurance details
476 48th Street, 4th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11220
Tel:(718) 362-8102
472 4th Avenue,
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Tel: (718) 747-8638
Sedation offers individuals with general anxiety about going to the oral surgeon, or fears about a specific oral surgery procedure, the opportunity to have a stress free and more comfortable experience. Utilizing safe and controlled sedation techniques prior to the procedure, the patient is eased into a state of complete relaxation. This eliminates any discomfort, pain, and preoperative anxiety that may be associated with a particular visit. With sedation, patients typically feel more at ease post-operatively as they have little or no memory of the actual moment-to-moment oral surgery procedure.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are the experts in outpatient sedation. There are many anesthetic options to make you as comfortable as possible during your surgical visit. Local anesthetic is always provided during any procedure.
The choice of which type of sedation is most appropriate for an oral surgery procedure depends on the specific needs of the individual. In choosing the most appropriate method of sedation, the oral surgeon considers the patient’s medical history and their level of anxiety. Types of sedation for oral surgery patients include nitrous oxide sedation, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation.
Nitrous Oxide
Commonly referred to as "laughing gas," nitrous oxide is used as a mild sedative to reduce anxiety and allow a level of relaxation during a procedure. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small mask over the nose. It is administered for the duration of the procedure and is turned off as the procedure is coming to an end. The effects of this method of sedation wear off very quickly.
Oral Sedation
Oral Sedation means that you will be given a prescription for an oral medication prior to you appointment. Taken at the recommended time before your appointment, this medication allows you to fully relax by the time your procedure begins. When receiving oral sedation, a patient must have an escort on the day of the procedure to drive them to and from the oral surgeon’s office.
**Please note that oral sedation is currently only offered at the Manhattan location.
IV Sedation
IV Sedation involves a sedative that is administered intravenously, or directly into a vein. It is indicated when deeper sedation is required. This type of sedation can be quickly modified to your state of consciousness and can be continued as long as necessary for the procedure.
IV Sedation requires an empty stomach. Patients receiving this type of sedation will be instructed as to how many hours prior to their surgical procedure they should stop eating or drinking. In addition to this, patients receiving IV sedation will need to have an escort present for the appointment and to be able to drive them home when the appointment is completed.
Sometimes it is necessary to extract a tooth. This situation can arise for a variety of reasons. Extractions are commonly performed in cases where a deciduous "baby" tooth is reluctant to fall out, a severely broken down and non-restorable tooth is present, or a "wisdom tooth" is poorly positioned and unable to erupt into place. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are frequently referred patients by both general dentists and specialists for the extraction of permanent or primary (deciduous or "baby") teeth that are erupted, unerupted, fractured, severely broken down, or ankylosed (fused to the surrounding bone). Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons are also best equipped to provide care for patients who are undergoing complex medical treatment, have certain medical conditions or take specific medications that can influence dental extractions, healing and recovery.
In addition to providing skilled, knowledgeable, precise and experienced care in all situations for which dental extractions are required, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained in all methods of dental anesthesia and sedation to ensure patient comfort throughout every procedure.
Following all dental extractions, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon provides detailed instructions for post-operative care and any follow-up appointments as required.
Wisdom teeth, which are also known as the third molars, are the last permanent teeth to develop in the oral cavity as well as the final ones to come into place. However, as is often the case, many wisdom teeth do not have sufficient room to erupt, are not developing properly, or are causing issues for the adjacent teeth and the surrounding tissues. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons frequently see patients with impacted or problematic wisdom teeth for an evaluation or extractions as indicated.
A wisdom tooth is considered impacted when it is submerged under gum tissue or bone and unable to erupt into position. Based on the type and amount of overlying tissue, impactions are classified in a few different ways. Soft tissue impactions occur when a wisdom tooth remains covered by gum tissue. If a wisdom tooth remains completely, or partially obstructed by bone, it's known as a bony impaction.
Impacted wisdom teeth can potentially cause many problems and may need to be removed when they are the source of:
Although the extraction of wisdom may be recommended for older patients, the early removal of problematic or potentially problematic wisdom teeth in young adults is often the case. Among the many reasons for this approach to care is that extractions at this stage of life are simpler, and patients experience a shorter recovery time with fewer complications.
Whatever the case may be, patients of all ages can rely on the expertise of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for the evaluation and treatment recommendations for developing, impacted, or erupted wisdom teeth.
Losing a tooth due to injury, dental decay, or gum disease can happen. However, to avoid causing problems for the adjacent teeth and your overall dental health, it is important to replace the tooth that has been lost.
As one of the most significant dental innovations in recent times, a dental implant is a small surgical post made of biocompatible metal or ceramic, that is placed into the jawbone to function in the same manner as the root of a natural tooth. In the same way that a root supports the natural crown of your tooth, an implant integrates over time with the surrounding bone to provide a stable and durable foundation for a single dental crown or bridge, as well as a complete set of upper or lower replacement teeth.
The success and long-term stability of a dental implant primarily rely on its precise placement in the jawbone. Since teeth are naturally designed to withstand the enormous forces of chewing and all manner of oral function, a dental implant must be placed with the utmost exactitude to perform in the same way.
In addition to their comprehensive knowledge of the complexities of jaw anatomy and oral function, oral and maxillofacial surgeons have the advanced clinical experience and surgical training to place dental implants for optimal results of care. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are also trained in all methods of dental anesthesia and sedation to ensure patient comfort throughout every procedure.
Bone loss in the jaws and around the teeth can be the result of missing teeth, periodontal disease, or trauma. This bone loss is more than a detriment to oral health and function; it can also alter facial appearance as the support for the natural contours of the face is diminished.
When a tooth is extracted, the natural stimulation to the underlying bone that is generated by the forces of biting or chewing is lost. The fact of the matter is that bone width can be reduced by as much as 25% in the first year following tooth loss.
By performing grafting procedures, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon can help restore the bone close to its original dimensions to maintain facial esthetics, repair the damage caused by periodontal disease as well as facilitate the success of procedures such as the placement of dental implants. A bone graft provides a platform or “scaffolding” for new bone growth and the material for a bone graft can be derived from the patient, other donor sources or be comprised of synthetic, bone-like materials.
Several types of grafting procedures are performed depending upon the particular needs of the case.
A bone graft can be placed immediately upon the extraction of a tooth or some time after tooth loss. Placing a bone graft at the time of tooth removal reduces the amount of bone loss in the area to maintain the hard tissue support that is required for the future placement of a dental implant. When a bone graft is placed a while after tooth loss, a separate surgical procedure is required to reflect the soft tissue, expose the underlying bone, and place a graft to restore the site and prepare it for future implant placement.
In addition to bone grafting for purposes of ridge preservation or augmentation to allow for dental implants, an aesthetic ridge augmentation procedure to restore the natural contours of the bone is sometimes performed in preparation for fixed bridge work to achieve a more cosmetically pleasing result.
To guide tissue regeneration as well as protect the graft and promote healing, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon may place specialized membranes and biologically active materials over the grafting material.
For patients lacking a sufficient amount of bone for a dental implant to replace a maxillary back tooth (upper back tooth), a procedure, which is known as a "sinus lift" is performed. During this surgical procedure, the sinus membrane is lifted, and bone graft material is added between the jaw and the floor of the sinus to provide the needed bone height to support a dental implant successfully.
An impacted tooth is one that fails to erupt and remains impacted by varying amounts of overlying soft tissue and bone. After the wisdom teeth, the most frequently impacted teeth in the oral cavity are the maxillary canines. Since the canines play such an important role in the dental arch in terms of optimal function and facial support, it is important whenever possible to bring these teeth into alignment.
In situations involving an impacted canine, the first step in care is for an orthodontist to develop the space that is needed to bring the tooth into its correct position. At the appropriate juncture in treatment, the patient is then referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for a procedure to remove the necessary amount of bone and soft tissue, uncovering the canine enough to allow movement. At this time a bonded orthodontic attachment is also placed on the tooth. By exposing the canine and placing an orthodontic attachment on the tooth, the orthodontist can now begin to incrementally move the canine into its proper alignment. In certain cases, other teeth in the dental arch can remain impacted as well and need similar exposure and bonding procedures in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.
Sometimes prior to the fabrication and placement of a dental prosthesis such as dentures, certain oral surgery procedures may be needed. An ideally contoured jawbone ensures that the new dental prosthesis has the best fit and provides the maximum level of comfort, esthetics and function.
By performing pre-prosthetic procedures the oral surgeon can correct any bone or soft tissue conditions that might interfere with the placement of a dental prosthesis as well as create a better base of support for the new partial or full dentures.
Common pre-prosthetic surgical procedures include:
Alveoloplasty
Alveoloplasty is a surgical procedure during which the jawbone is smoothed out and reshaped in areas where teeth have been lost or extracted. An alveoloplasty can be performed either during the actual extraction of the teeth or when necessary as a separate procedure. Oftentimes, during the extractions of the teeth to be replaced by a denture, the oral surgeon contours and shapes the bone to fit the future prosthesis.
Exostosis and Tori Reduction
Exostosis and tori reduction refers to the surgical procedures to remove benign bony bumps or prominences from the upper or lower jaws that may interfere with the placement and fit of a dental prosthesis. Once a sufficient amount of excess bone has been removed to allow the seating and fit of a dental prosthesis, the remaining bony surface is contoured and smoothed.
Gum Tissue Recontouring
Sometimes removal of redundant tissue or excess gums in the mouth is necessary for the proper fit and function of a dental prosthesis. Hyperplastic tissue or extra folds of gum, lip, or cheek tissue that may have developed from a previous long-standing denture or other factors requires a surgical procedure to restore the normal soft tissue anatomy in preparation for the new dental prosthesis.
In some cases, a tooth that has had a root canal, which did not sufficiently heal or has become re-infected, is not a candidate for re-treatment with a second root canal procedure. For these teeth, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can perform a surgical procedure, which is known as an apicoectomy. This procedure effectively treats the infection at the root-end to preserve and save the tooth. An apicoectomy serves as an excellent next step procedure to save a previously treated natural tooth, eliminate a dental infection, and to restore the health of the surrounding tissues. It is most useful in cases where fractures or hidden canals still cause pain or infection around a treated tooth, as well as when a second root canal procedure is not recommended as it will further weaken and jeopardize the tooth.
An apicoectomy may be performed under local anesthesia along with sedation if it is selected or indicated. During this procedure an incision is made in teh gum tissue to access the tip of the involved root. Once uncovered, the damaged tissue in the area is removed along with a few millimeters of the tooth’s root end. A biocompatible filling material is then placed to seal the remaining portion of the root. The gum tissue flap is put back into place and sutured to complete the procedure.
With an apicoectomy, post-surgical discomfort is generally well controlled with over the counter pain medications. If additional stronger pain medication is required your oral surgeon will advise you accordingly depending on your case.
The oral and maxillofacial region consists of hard and soft tissues that have many different and important functions. Oral pathology refers to the wide range of diseases and conditions manifesting themselves and affecting this area of the body. The signs and symptoms of these problems might be localized and have minor implications for an individual’s overall health, or may be a sign of larger systemic (throughout the body) medical conditions. Suspicious lesions in the mouth and maxillofacial region might also be cancerous and can lead to far more serious consequences if not detected and treated promptly.
If tissue abnormalities or lesions are present in the oral and maxillofacial area it must be determined if they are the result of congenital or genetic conditions, infection, trauma, environmental causes, have developed for another medical reason or are idiopathic (without a known cause). A patient’s medical history, including lifestyle and habits in conjunction with a description of any signs and symptoms that a patient is experiencing can provide helpful information towards a diagnosis. Following a clinical exam, a biopsy as well as further diagnostic testing, is performed as needed to identify the source of the pathology.
If an individual on their own notices any suspicious growths, ulcerations, or unusual bumps anywhere in their mouth or in the head and neck region, it is important that they have them promptly evaluated.
Oral cancer accounts for 2.9% of all diagnosed cases of cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that 51,000 people across the country will develop oral cancer this year and that 10,000 fatalities are expected from the disease.
Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the orofacial complex but is most often found on the tongue, the tonsils, and oropharynx, the gums, floor of the mouth, lips, cheek lining or the hard palate. While the disease can affect anyone, men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women. Those, particularly at risk for oral cancer, are men over the age of 50 who are heavy smokers and frequently drink alcohol. Additional risk factors may include UV exposure from the sun or sunlamps, GERD (gastrointestinal reflux disease), prior head and neck radiation treatment, exposure to certain chemicals and poor diet. While the death rate from oral cancer has been decreasing in the past several decades, thanks to early detection and advanced methods of treatment improving the outcomes of care, there has been a recent rise in the incidence of oropharyngeal cancer due to increased transmission of the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV)
What are some of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer?
Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons are often referred patients from general dentists and other specialties for the evaluation and possible biopsy of suspicious intraoral, extraoral and radiographic lesions or tissue abnormalities. As one of the first steps in care, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon will review the patient’s medical and dental histories and ask if there have been any changes to his or her oral health or overall health. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon will then carefully check in and around the oral cavity as well as the head and neck area for any of the following signs or symptoms that may indicate the presence of a problem:
If a suspicious lesion, tissue abnormality or unusual symptoms are present, a biopsy and further diagnostic testing are performed. Early detection of oral cancer and timely treatment offer the most favorable outcomes of care.
A frenum (also known as a frenulum) in the oral cavity is a fold of tissue connecting moveable soft tissue such as the lips, cheeks or tongue to the fixed tissues next to the teeth and floor of the mouth. This fold of tissue can contain some muscle fibers as well.
The major frena in the mouth can be found in three locations. The first is the maxillary labial frenum located on the underside of the middle of the upper lip, connecting it to the gum tissue above and between the front two teeth on top. Another frenum is the mandibular labial frenum, which is located on underside of the lower lip connecting it to the gum tissue below and between the front two teeth on bottom. The third is the lingual frenum, which is found on the underside of the tongue connecting it to the floor of the mouth.
In most cases these frena do not adversely limit tongue function, or affect the teeth or their surrounding hard and soft tissues. However, there are situations where they do and a surgical procedure is required to alleviate these problems. A maxillary labial frenectomy is the most common one performed, and is considered when a large and ropey frenum is attached too close to the crowns of the teeth or extends too far towards the roof of the mouth. Issues with the maxillary frenum can cause space between the two front teeth, keeps the teeth apart, and can even affect the gums and bone between the front two teeth. A lingual frenectomy is considered when the lingual frenum attaches too far forward on the tongue and is impairing function including, speech, swallowing or eating.
When an abnormal frenal attachment is present, certain surgical procedures like a frenectomy to remove a portion of the frenum can be performed. This surgery prevents further tissue damage, allows for appropriate tooth movement and stability, and restores normal function.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are highly skilled specialists trained to provide treatment for all types of facial trauma including the emergency management of dental and maxillofacial injuries, as well as any required facial reconstruction procedures.
Oral and maxillofacial trauma can range from dental injuries or lacerations in and around the mouth to more complex and severe damage to the soft tissues and many bones of the face and skull. These injuries are often caused by motor vehicle accidents, assaults, sports or work related injuries, falls, or other mishaps involving direct physical trauma to the mouth and face.
Dentoalveolar Injury
Dentoalveolar Injuries refer to injuries involving the teeth and the bone surrounding the teeth. These injuries can include teeth that have been dislodged with or without a segment of the surrounding bone, or an avulsion, which means that a tooth has been completely “knocked out” of its socket. Management of these injuries requires they be treated without delay to reposition and stabilize the involved teeth and/or bone in the correct anatomical positions.
While the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon can provide the initial treatment for this type of a traumatic injury, the involved teeth should be followed and assessed by the general dentist or the endodontist for any long-term effects to the teeth, the surrounding bone, or the occlusion, as well as to perform any necessary procedures to restore these teeth including any bonding of missing tooth structure.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries of the Maxillofacial region include lacerations within the mouth (intra-oral) and facial lacerations. The diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue injuries involves repairing the injury to achieve the best cosmetic result, and as possible to maintain function and sensation in the involved area.
Facial Bone Fractures
Fractures of the upper or lower jaws, fractures to the orbit of the eye, the cheekbone, and nasal fractures are common facial injuries involving the bones of the face that are treated by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.
Facial bone fractures are treated in much the same way as fractures of other parts of the body. The goals are to restore alignment, achieve bony union, prevent any infections from developing, reestablish function, and to maintain normal facial appearance. Treatment considerations for facial fractures may include the health and age of the patient, the location of the injury, as well as the degree of severity of the fracture and the associated damage.
While the bones in the face cannot be put in a cast like the treatment of limb fractures, other methods of stabilization are employed by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon to allow effective and complete healing of the involved bones. Certain jaw fractures may require a surgical procedure and stabilization. This may involve the placement of small plates and screws at the affected site, or the temporary wiring of the jaws together.
Cone-beam computed tomography systems are radiographic systems used by dental professionals to analyze and reconstruct 3D images of a patient’s teeth, jaws and surrounding anatomy. The information obtained by means of CBCT imaging is useful in both diagnosis and precise treatment planning when two-dimensional diagnostic films are insufficient. Dental CBCT is useful for multiple types of analyses as well as the assessment of maxillofacial disorders or pathology. It is also most useful in surgical planning, including the accurate placement of dental implants.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained and experienced in a comprehensive range of procedures to address issues affecting the hard and soft tissues of the head, neck, jaw, oral cavity, and facial structures. Along with their extensive knowledge of the anatomical and functional complexities of these areas, oral and maxillofacial surgeons understand the harmony and balance of optimal facial aesthetics. This knowledge and training make them uniquely qualified to perform a spectrum of surgical and non-surgical procedures to improve appearance as well as revitalize and renew tissues to restore a more youthful visage.
Among the many procedures oral and maxillofacial surgeons can provide are the following:
The Prevalence of Temporomandibular Joint Problems
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), also referred to as temporomandibular disorders (TMD), are the most common source of chronic facial pain and jaw dysfunction. It is estimated that more than 10 million people in the United States are affected by temporomandibular joint problems.
What is the Temporomandibular Joint?
Two temporomandibular joints connect the left and right sides of the lower jaw to the temporal bone. Both joints and their associated muscles, ligaments, and tendons work together to allow for all manner of oral function as the jaw moves up and down, front to back and from side to side. Containing a shock-absorbing, soft disc that sits between the rounded condyles of both sides of the lower jaw and the corresponding concavities in the skull’s temporal bone, the TMJ makes chewing, speaking, yawning and all jaw movements possible.
Since the TMJ is a joint with both up and down hinge-like movements, as well as side to side and front to back sliding motions to perform, it is often considered one of the most complicated joints in the body and one of the most difficult to treat when problems arise.
Types and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders can fall into one or more of the following three categories:
The risk of developing a TMJ problem is higher in the presence of long-term teeth grinding or bruxism, a jaw injury or various types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Furthermore, the manifestations of a TMJ disorder can vary from person to person with a wide range of symptoms possible, including earaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), headaches, back and neck pain, vertigo, muscle spasms, and joint tenderness as well as jaw pain, popping or grating sounds with jaw movement, jaw locking and limited jaw movement. For some people, a TMJ disorder can be resolved within a relatively short period, while for others it will continue to persist despite extensive therapy.
Diagnosis and Treatment
When evaluating for the presence of a TMJ disorder, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform a thorough clinical assessment of joint symptoms and function. Special radiographic imaging and other diagnostic tests will be ordered as needed. The treatment of a TMJ disorder may include oral appliances such as night guards or stabilization splints to alleviate strain on the joints. Other types of therapy may include steroid injections, occlusal adjustments as well as orthodontic or prosthodontic treatment to improve occlusion. In cases of severe and persistent TMJ problems, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon may recommend a surgical procedure.
Methods of self-care can be helpful in alleviating some of the symptoms of a TMJ disorder. Patients are typically advised to eat soft foods, avoid extreme jaw movements such as wide yawning and gum chewing, to practice stress reduction and relaxation techniques and to apply ice packs or moist heat as directed. As recommended, a patient should follow the oral and maxillofacial surgeon's or therapist’s instructions for gentle stretching exercises. The short-term use of over-the-counter, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medications may provide relief. If not, stronger pain or anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants or anti-depressants may be prescribed
If a child’s facial growth and development does not proceed in a normal and harmonious manner, then the jaws may not achieve the proper relationship or alignment. This can present an individual with varying degrees of functional and cosmetic problems. When the jaws are not in the anatomically correct positions it can have a negative effect on the occlusion (the bite), facial symmetry and balance, as well as the temporomandibular joint. Problematic jaw relationships can even make eating, speaking, and normal breathing more difficult.
Orthodontic treatment alone is often insufficient to address all of the issues caused by these improper or disproportionate jaw relationships. Orthognathic surgery, more commonly known as corrective jaw surgery, is sometimes necessary to help address these skeletal and dental irregularities.
Orthognathic surgery involve a team approach with an orthodontist preparing and finalizing the alignment of the teeth along with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to treatment plan and perform the corrective jaw procedures. If needed, other specialists may be involved in treating the patient to address any additional dental or medical issues necessary to achieve the best functional and cosmetic result.
A full night’s sleep is essential to your overall health and wellness. If you are well rested, you feel good and can function at your best. According to statistics, approximately 25 million adults in the United States suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and more than three times that number snore. As specialists who are trained in the complexities of head and neck anatomy as well as its relationship to airway function, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are well equipped to provide the guidance and care in cases of obstructive sleep apnea.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious and potentially life-threatening disorder involving repeated pauses in breathing while asleep. The most common form of this condition is obstructive sleep apnea. This occurs when there is an obstruction of an individual’s airway that interferes with the flow of oxygen through nose or mouth during sleep.
In someone afflicted with obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles of the throat and mouth relax during sleep to the point where they fall back into the upper airway and create a blockage that restricts breathing.
What Are Some of The Signs & Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
The signs and symptoms of this disorder during sleeping hours may include, loud snoring, episodes of breathing cessation, abrupt awakenings, episodes of gasping for air, along with difficulties getting a good night’s sleep. An individual with sleep apnea will exhibit problems during the day as well. Sleep apnea can lead to a morning headache, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Furthermore suffering with sleep apnea can be associated with other medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular and heart issues, gastric reflux and depression.
How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnea?
A sleep study is typically conducted to determine the severity of the disorder. The results of this study along with other medical findings will play a role in determining the recommended therapy. In some cases testing to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea and determine blood oxygen levels along with how well you are breathing while sleeping can be done in the comfort of your own home.
What Is The Treatment For Sleep Apnea?
The most common form of therapy for obstructive sleep apnea is a CPAP machine that is worn while sleeping. This device provides a steady stream of pressurized air into the respiratory system through a mask. However, in the presence of mild to moderate sleep apnea, an oral appliance is often prescribed to treat the condition. Worn in a similar fashion to a mouthguard or an orthodontic retainer, the appliance is designed to help keep the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat from collapsing, thereby enabling the airway to stay open during sleep. While conservative treatment to ensure a healthy as well as restful night’s sleep is often successful, in some cases surgery is recommended. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeon can advise patients on the right course of care and perform specific surgical procedures as indicated.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons serve as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team for the treatment of individuals born with a cleft lip/palate or other congenital conditions with associated craniofacial anomalies.
With their advanced specialty training, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely qualified to treat these complex cases and to perform a wide range of procedures to optimize oral function and facial appearance. In many situations, multiple procedures provided over an extended period of time are required to accommodate a child's growth and development. By formulating a carefully planned sequence of care that is integrated with the procedures performed by other members of the patient’s team, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon can provide children, teens, and adults with the corrections required to enhance oral health and function as well as improve facial aesthetics.
