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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

surgeonDentists 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.

Oral Surgery

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery alabamaAny oral surgery is a delicate procedure, which should only be performed a qualified and experienced oral surgeon. These surgeons are specifically trained to perform a wide range of procedures, and will be able to deliver safe and predictable results.  

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. 

Tooth Extraction 

Tooth extraction is a commonly performed dental surgery, which may necessary to resolve trauma or disease or correct teeth overcrowding. A simple extraction may work if the affected teeth are visible above the gum line, and the surgeon can pull them out with forceps.  

A surgical extraction may be required when it is necessary to cut the tissue or bone to remove the tooth. The wound will be closed with sutures following a surgical extraction. It can be particularly difficult to remove wisdom teeth, and the procedure should only be performed by a skilled oral surgeon.  

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 

One of the more complex forms of oral surgery is oral and maxillofacial surgery. The procedure should be performed by an oral and maxillofacial specialist. Dentoalveolar surgery, corrective jaw surgery, maxillofacial dental implants, and pre-prosthetic nerve repositioning and bone augmentation are some of the advanced procedures that are included in this category.  

Dental Implants 

Dental implant surgery is the most reliable and long-term solution to replace a missing tooth. Dental implants do not require support from the adjacent teeth, which avoids any compromise to the natural health of those teeth.  

To replace the missing tooth, the oral surgeon will insert a metal post (usually titanium) into the jawbone. The post will serve as an artificial tooth root and will fuse with the bone and gum tissue over time. This creates a solid foundation for the placement of a dental crown over the implant.  

Oral Biopsy  

Sometimes the presence of a lesion in the mouth may have to be evaluated to rule out cancer. A biopsy will have to be performed for this purpose. The oral surgeon will remove a small piece of tissue from the affected site, which will be then analyzed in the lab to check for oral cancer.  

Jaw Surgery 

If you suffer from poor jaw alignment, it may not only cause you cosmetic concerns, but also interfere with your oral function. Jaw surgery may be required to correct this condition and restore normal oral function. 

Sleep Apnea  

Sometimes it may not be possible to successfully treat sleep apnea with non-invasive treatments. In severe cases, the oral surgeon may remove excess tissue from the back of your throat. This will considerably relieve you of the sleep apnea symptoms.  

Reconstructive Surgery 

Facial injuries and knocked-out teeth can severely compromise oral function as well as appearance. The oral surgeon may perform a reconstructive surgery to replace damaged or broken teeth, treat gum tissue or jawbone damage, and correct problems of the jaw joint. Severe facial trauma may cause deformities that can be best restored with a reconstructive surgery. 

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. 

Contact Us

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.