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What is an Oral Surgery | Hunstville | Scottsboro | Decatur | MadisonThere is significant overlap between oral surgery and other dental specialties. 

General dentists can undertake minor oral surgeries, but they are not oral surgeons or oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS), which refers to the full name used to describe these specialists. 

Patients should speak to their dentists to identify which specialist they should see for the treatment of their facial or mouth issues. If the patient needs oral surgery, it is usually an outpatient procedure that necessitates local or general anesthesia. They will likely return home shortly after the surgery is completed. 

At the time of the initial appointment, the patient should certainly ask their doctor about how to prepare for the surgery, such as whether they will need to fast the night before, as well as any vital after-care guidelines that they should be aware of. 

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain provides oral surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

Types of Oral Surgery Procedures

Many people interact with an OMS for the first time to have their wisdom teeth removed. However, an OMS does much more than tooth extractions. These medical professionals also undertake the following:

Dental Implants

Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth, and these implants are embedded in the patient’s jawbone, similar to natural teeth.

Developmental Conditions

Other than cosmetic benefits, the surgical treatment of a cleft palate and cleft lip has medical advantages as well. The repair of a cleft palate and lip will offer an infant an enhanced ability to nurse or drink from a bottle while simultaneously facilitating optimal speech.

Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer (which includes oral cancer) occurs when abnormal cells within the lining of the gums, roof of the mouth, cheeks, lips, or tongue grow uncontrollably. 

Oropharyngeal cancer, which impacts the side and back walls of the throat, the soft palate, the back third of the tongue, and the tonsils, is usually lumped under this term as well.

Facial Injury and Trauma

Facial injury and trauma include fractures of the upper and lower jaws and the orbits around the eyes as well as facial lacerations. An OMS has specialized knowledge about how jaws come together (dental occlusion), which is crucial when treating complex facial fractures. 

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery (also called orthognathic surgery) is undertaken to correct various minor and major dental aberrations, including the misalignment of teeth and jaws. Surgery can improve speaking, chewing, and breathing. Orthognathic surgery is undertaken to address functional problems, but it may also dramatically enhance the patient’s appearance.

TMJ and Facial Pain

TMJ is a problem with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is found in front of the ears and connects the jaw to the skull. However, TMJ disorder is a more appropriate term for any TMJ-related dysfunction that leads to facial pain or other symptoms.

Facial Cosmetic Surgery

Plastic surgery focuses on repairing defects to re-create a normal function and appearance, whereas cosmetic surgery is meant to enhance the aesthetics of a person.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea refers to a chronic breathing condition in which an individual repeatedly stops breathing during the night. It usually occurs due to partial or complete obstruction, or collapse, of the upper airway by large tonsils, excess tissue, and/or a large tongue.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for oral surgery.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Who is an Oral Surgeon? | Hunstville | Scottsboro | Decatur | MadisonAn oral surgeon is a dental expert who is trained to undertake surgical procedures on the mouth, jaws, teeth, and face. 

Dentists can undertake minor oral surgeries, but they are not oral surgeons or oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS), which is the complete name of these specialists. The word “maxillofacial” means pertaining to the face and jaw. 

An OMS receives four years of dental school and then completes a minimum of four to six years of additional surgical training. In addition, these specialists are trained to administer anesthesia and offer care in an office setting. 

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain provides oral surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities. 

 

Training and Certification

For an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, the average total length of education and training after secondary school is 12 to 14 years.

In general, training includes two to four years of undergraduate study, four years of dental study (DMD, BDent, DDS, or BDS), and four to six years of residency training (six years include two additional years for attaining a medical degree).

Upon completing surgical training, a majority of oral and maxillofacial surgeons undertake final specialty exams. This certifying body in the US is the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). Patients can verify that a surgeon is board-certified through the ABOMS.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons with board certifications are expected to maintain current standards through continuing professional endeavors. This ensures that they remain updated in their knowledge and skills as well as practice in a safe and contemporary manner.

 

Procedural Expertise

There are various procedures that oral surgeons are trained and authorized to undertake, such as:

Tooth Extractions

Tooth extraction is the most recognized form of oral surgery. Some reasons for tooth extraction are as follows:

  • Teeth beyond repair either from root fracture, tooth decay, or trauma
  • Primary teeth that have failed to fall out, preventing the eruption of permanent teeth
  • Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth
  • Orthodontic treatment plans, which may warrant the removal of some teeth to decrease crowding and accomplish the optimum result

 

Cleft Lip/Palate Surgery

This surgery does not refer to a single procedure, rather a series of surgeries to help maximize the advantage to a child while minimizing the risks involved. 

 

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic surgery typically is undertaken to treat:

  • Major or minor trauma to the jaw
  • TMJ and dysfunction due to trauma or deformation
  • Malocclusion or incorrect bite
  • Incorrect jaw position, which can cause an out-of-proportion facial appearance

 

Dental Implants

Today, dental procedures are a common procedure to replace missing teeth or offer stability to a new or existing denture. The procedure for fixing a dental implant may differ, depending on the technique used by the surgeon as well as the type of implant used. 

 

Facial Cosmetic Procedures

Their specialized surgical and dental background allows oral and maxillofacial surgeons to undertake a cosmetic procedure that involves the aesthetic and functional aspects of the face, teeth, mouth, and jaws. 

 

Sleep Apnea

Oral surgeons typically serve as a member of the sleep team to help address obstructive sleep apnea. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for oral surgery.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

McLainOral surgery provides patients with more than the mere restoration of oral health and cosmetics. It improves their confidence and enhances their perspective on life.

It is understandable that new patients are typically anxious to initiate their oral surgery journey as soon as possible. However, before scheduling their procedure, they should thoroughly weigh their options.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain provides oral surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities. 

 

Things to Consider

Prior to seeking an appropriate oral surgeon for their needs, the patient should create a checklist of questions to help them determine their choice of a surgeon. Patients should consider a surgeon with the right experience and credentials, likely a surgeon with board certification in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

But the patient will also want to consider a surgeon whose fees are within their budget. In addition, they will want to learn more about the surgeon’s bedside manner. 

Do they want to work with a friendly surgeon who will be available to comfort them or one who has a more business-like and clinical approach to the process?

Would the patient feel more at ease with an oral surgeon who will provide them with recommendations on the most suitable procedure or one who will take their lead and do precisely as they ask them? It is important to assess these factors before consulting an oral surgeon to avoid being overly influenced by that surgeon’s personal style.

 

About Dr. McLain

Double board-certified oral & maxillofacial and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS practices in Huntsville, Alabama. His cosmetic surgery practice serves patients from Birmingham, Decatur, and neighboring communities as well as from Georgia and Tennessee. 

Other than cosmetic surgery of the face and body, Dr. McLain provides patients with cutting-edge surgical procedures of the mouth and jaws.

People researching cosmetic surgeons in the Huntsville area can learn more about Dr. McLain and his reputation from remarkable cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgery by seeking a consultation online or contacting his office.

 

Choosing the Right Surgeon: Checklist 

  • What is your professional background and experience?
  • What number of years of experience in oral surgery do you have?
  • To date, how many oral and maxillofacial surgeries have you performed?
  • Can I request to see some examples of your past work?
  • What procedure do you recommend to me to help achieve my goals?
  • Is a specific procedure suitable for me? If not, what options do you recommend?
  • What options do I have in case I find the final results unsatisfactory?
  • What will the procedure costs be?
  • What additional costs can I anticipate?
  • Where will you undertake my oral surgery?
  • What are the potential risks associated with a particular procedure?
  • What can I expect during the recovery period?
  • How sustainable are the results?

In addition to the above, there are many more questions that a patient can ask a potential surgeon. At the time of the consultation, the patient should openly ask any other questions that they may have.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for oral surgery.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

How to Choose The Best Ear Surgery Cosmetic Surgeon | HunstvilleIt is vital for patients to work with an experienced and skilled surgeon for their ear reshaping cosmetic surgery (otoplasty). 

This is a relatively safe procedure. However, it does involve certain risks, similar to any surgical procedure. For this reason, the patient should identify a surgeon with a proven record of safe and successful outcomes. 

Dr. Landon D. McLain provides otoplasty to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

Otoplasty results will last for many years to come, likely for the patient’s entire lifetime. Therefore, they should devote time to choosing a surgeon who will offer them their desired appearance. 

It may seem like a challenging task to identify the right surgeon with numerous doctors offering plastic surgery. However, certain things can make it easier for a patient to make the correct decision. 

The patient should consider an experienced plastic surgeon with a proven record of creating excellent ear reshaping results. Many surgeons may have expertise in a specific procedure, but no hands-on experience in facial surgeries. For a patient seeking otoplasty, such surgeons are likely not an appropriate choice. 

Patients should choose a surgeon who is trained in the management of surgical complications. There is a low possibility of the development of such complications. But identifying a surgeon with specialized training in this field will lower the risk even further.

The patient, on the other hand, should assess whether the surgeon in question has a good record. Prospective patients are entitled to receive all pertinent details from each state medical board.

Experience

The patient should ideally work with a surgeon with specialized training in plastic surgery. But it is also important to understand whether the surgeon has sufficient practical experience in the area. 

If the patient is interested in a specific type of ear reshaping technique or seeks further facial procedures, they should choose a surgeon with experience in these particular procedures. 

Bedside Manner

Patients are more likely to be satisfied with the final results of their otoplasty surgery if they work with a friendly surgeon who makes them feel at ease. 

Therefore, the patient should work with a doctor who is willing to spend time with them, respond to their questions in detail, and create an individualized surgical plan. Simultaneously, they should try to avoid a surgeon who creates pressure on them to undergo more treatment than they actually require or want. 

Desirable Qualities of an Ear Surgeon

  • Easy to talk to, warm, compassionate
  • Inclined to offer the patient in-depth information on the procedure
  • Passionate about the idea of making a difference in the patient’s life through plastic surgery
  • Offers individualized care and attention to each patient
  • Ability to understand the cosmetic needs, desires, hopes, and aspirations of the patient
  • Possesses in-depth knowledge of the facial structure
  • Has a sense of form, balance, and proportion 
  • Uses advanced techniques to ensure that the otoplasty surgery is minimally invasive and leads to as little scarring as possible

Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for otoplasty.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.