Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialized field dedicated to correcting a wide spectrum of diseases, injuries, and defects of the head, neck, face, and jaws.
At Ellis Orthodontics, we collaborate with expert oral and maxillofacial surgeons to provide our patients with fully integrated care for a range of complex conditions, ensuring a healthy, functional, and beautiful result.
What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
After completing dental school, these specialists undergo a minimum of four additional years of a hospital-based surgical residency. This intensive training, alongside medical residents in fields like general surgery and anesthesiology, uniquely qualifies them to diagnose and treat functional and aesthetic conditions in the face, mouth, and jaws.
Conditions We Address with Oral Surgeons
Our partnership with oral surgeons allows us to coordinate treatment for a variety of needs.
Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
This surgery repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or chin to correct skeletal and dental irregularities. It can significantly improve chewing, speaking, and breathing. This may be necessary for patients with a severe overbite, underbite, protruding jaw, or sleep apnea.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth often become impacted (fail to emerge properly), which can lead to pain, infection, and damage to other teeth. We work with surgeons to coordinate the removal of wisdom teeth to prevent future problems and ensure optimal healing.
Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
These conditions occur when the mouth and nasal cavity do not form properly during fetal development. Oral surgeons are a key part of the team of specialists who correct these issues through a series of surgical procedures over many years.
Facial Trauma
An oral surgeon’s expertise is essential for treating injuries to the mouth, face, and jaw, including fractured facial bones. Their work is critical to restoring the ability to breathe, speak, and swallow properly. We can then assist in perfecting the bite after healing.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Surgery
For severe cases of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) that cause chronic jaw pain, clicking, or limited movement, surgery may be an option if conservative treatments are unsuccessful.