Oral Surgeon (Maxillofacial Surgeon)
Oral surgeons (also called maxillofacial surgeons) are dentists who
specialize in surgery of the mouth and jaw.
Oral surgeons treat and reconstruct areas of the face, head, or
neck after an injury or surgery. They prepare the jaw for denture construction, and they treat temporomandibular (TMD) joint problems. Also, they perform cosmetic surgery and
treat birth defects (such as cleft lip and palate) or growth disturbances of
the jaw.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have graduated from an accredited
dental school and completed a residency program approved by the American Dental
Association Commission in Dental Accreditation.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
may be board-certified through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial
Surgery.
Last Revised:
January 2, 2013
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & William F. Hohlt, DDS - Orthodontics
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