If you've recently experienced issues near the jaws, mouth, head, or neck, your dentist might recommend going to see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for more extensive treatment. These professionals perform a wide array of delicate operations around those dental areas. The following guide explains more about their work and when you should consider seeing one.

What Maxillofacial Surgeons Do

Oral surgeons correct minor dental and physical defects with outpatient operations such as jaw realignment, reconstructive surgery, and the removal of cancerous tissue in the head and neck. Your dentist can also recommend seeing one to extract impacted wisdom teeth or install dental implants.

Unlike other dental practices, maxillofacial surgeons train to provide anesthesia to help you leave the appointment on your own without difficulty. They will also give post-surgical care advice and plans to facilitate a healthy recovery.

When to See an Oral Surgeon

Aside from dental procedures such as placing dental implants and extracting teeth, oral surgeons carry out moderately invasive procedures to rectify physical conditions in the mouth, head, and neck. For example, many patients visit these professionals to correct cleft lips or palates, a birth defect that can affect everyday speech, eating, and cosmetic appearance. Similarly, you might consider seeing a surgeon for slight jaw abnormalities such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

This professional can also provide reconstructive surgery to restore your appearance following major trauma to the face or mouth, such as deep cuts or injuries sustained in a car crash. A minor reason to schedule treatment might be to correct sleep apnea, a condition in which there are misalignments of the jaw or restricted nasal passages. A maxillofacial surgeon can reposition or remove tissue in the airways to ensure you can breathe normally and safely while sleeping.

Whether you need a wisdom tooth extraction or surgery to correct an oral health issue, turn to Lyle C. Yanagihara, DDS, MS, in Honolulu, HI, for assistance. Experienced maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Yanagihara specializes in treating cleft lips and palates and can provide care and advice for various additional conditions. Call (808) 973-1433 to schedule a consultation today, or visit his website for more information on his services.