Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) is a recognized specialty of dentistry and medicine that bridges both fields. It is concerned with the surgical diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases, injuries, and deformities affecting the mouth, teeth, jaws, face, head, and neck.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to perform both minor and major surgical procedures, ranging from routine extractions to highly complex reconstructive operations.
Scope of OMFS:
Dentoalveolar Surgery: removal of impacted teeth, wisdom tooth extraction, and pre-prosthetic surgery.
Implantology: placement of dental implants and bone grafting.
Orthognathic Surgery: correction of jaw irregularities to improve function and aesthetics.
Craniofacial and Cleft Surgery: management of congenital anomalies such as cleft lip and palate.
Trauma Surgery: repair of facial fractures, soft tissue injuries, and jaw dislocations.
Oncologic Surgery: diagnosis and surgical management of oral cancers, cysts, and tumors.
TMJ Surgery: treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.
Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery: restoring appearance and function through grafting, implants, and facial aesthetics.
Importance:
OMFS plays a vital role in improving oral health, facial function, aesthetics, and overall quality of life, often working in collaboration with other medical and dental specialties.
