Dr Mark Austin North Carolina: How Does Maxillofacial Surgery Address Impacted Teeth?

Despite being a specialized surgical field, maxillofacial surgery touches all of your lives in some way. For many people, the encounter usually comes via one of the most common dental issues – impacted teeth. Dr Mark Austin North Carolina will delineate how maxillofacial surgery takes center stage in addressing and treating impacted teeth, particularly focusing on wisdom teeth.

Role of Maxillofacial Surgery

For one, oral and maxillofacial surgeons possess the skills and training to effectively manage impacted teeth. These surgeons have an in-depth understanding of both the dental and facial region’s anatomy, ensuring the procedure will be conducted safely and efficiently.

Diagnosis

The first step in treating impacted teeth through maxillofacial surgery is proper diagnosis. Maxillofacial surgeons use advanced imaging techniques, such as panoramic X-rays and CT scans, to visualize the exact position of the impacted tooth and its relation to surrounding structures.

Surgical Procedure

Depending on the tooth’s position and the degree of impaction, the procedure may range from a simple extraction to a more complex surgical approach.

In a typical surgery, the maxillofacial surgeon will administer anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort throughout the procedure. This could be local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient’s preference.

After that, the surgeon will make a small incision in the gum to expose the tooth and bone – right before removing the bone that is covering the tooth. In some cases, they may need to cut the tooth into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove.

Once the patient’s tooth is extracted, the area will be cleaned of any oral debris. Then, the surgeon stitches the wound closed to promote healing, though sometimes it’s left open to allow for drainage. Finally, a gauze pad is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and help a blood clot form.

Aftercare

In terms of aftercare, maxillofacial surgeons provide comprehensive instructions to patients, covering aspects like pain management, wound care, and diet modifications. They also schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor recovery and ensure optimal healing Dr Mark Austin North Carolina.