Oral, Dental, and Maxillofacial Surgery is a dental specialty that diagnoses and treats all types of disorders involving the soft tissues within the oral cavity (gums, palate, tongue, cheeks) and the hard tissues, including the teeth and jawbones. This surgical department aims to enhance patients' quality of quality of life and establish a healthy oral structure by restoring aesthetic and functional losses. With today’s advancing technology, oral and maxillofacial surgery provides reliable results that closely mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth, even in the most challenging cases.

Definition and Purpose of Oral, Dental, and Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral, Dental, and Maxillofacial Surgery is a broad medical discipline involving the clinical and radiological evaluation and surgical treatment of pathologies, traumas, and developmental disorders of the bones and soft tissues in the facial region. This specialty encompasses a wide range of operational procedures, from routine tooth extractions to the correction of complex maxillofacial deformities. The goal of these interventions is not merely to repair damaged tissue but to fully restore lost form and function using biocompatible materials.

The primary objective of these surgical treatments is to eradicate infections, severe pain, and pathological formations—such as cysts or tumors—that threaten jaw integrity and quality of life. Additionally, addressing chewing and speech impairments caused by missing teeth, as well as aesthetic concerns through implantology and pre-prosthetic surgical preparations, are among the main goals. Thanks to successful maxillofacial surgery, patients regain their physical health by being cleared of non-functional tissues while preventing future skeletal problems and jawbone resorption.

Types and Applications of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral, dental, and maxillofacial surgery is categorized based on the areas of application, patient complaints, and specific procedures performed. The most common types of surgery and their applications diagnosed and treated at Dentmetrik clinics include:

  1. Tooth Extraction and Impacted Tooth Surgery: The extraction of teeth that cannot be saved due to advanced decay or trauma. The surgical removal of wisdom teeth (third molars) or impacted canines—which remain embedded in the jawbone and cannot erupt or may damage neighboring teeth—is one of the most frequent surgical procedures.
  2. Implant Surgery and Advanced Implantology: The placement of artificial tooth roots made of titanium to replace missing teeth. This category includes advanced supportive techniques such as bone grafting (adding bone powder) and sinus lifting (elevating the sinus floor in the upper jaw) for patients with insufficient bone volume.
  3. Jaw Cyst and Tumor Surgeries: The complete surgical removal of cysts and tumor-like formations developing within the jawbone or oral mucosa. These operations are vital for halting bone destruction.
  4. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders and Surgery: The treatment of issues such as fluid loss, cartilage wear, clicking sounds, pain, and restricted mouth opening in the joint between the lower jaw and the skull, utilizing intra-articular washing (arthrocentesis) or open-joint surgery.
  5. Orthognathic Surgery: A major type of surgery performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to correct skeletal malocclusions where the lower jaw is positioned too far forward, backward, or asymmetrically, ensuring the jawbones reach their correct anatomical position.
  6. Root-End Surgery (Apicoectomy): The surgical removal of inflammation at the tip of the tooth root following unsuccessful root canal treatments by lifting the gum tissue, thereby saving the tooth from extraction.
  7. Pre-Prosthetic Surgery: Procedures such as shaving bone protrusions and reshaping soft tissues to ensure that removable (dentures) or fixed prostheses fit securely and comfortably in the mouth.
  8. Maxillofacial Trauma Surgery: The repair of fractures in the jawbones or the alveolar bone surrounding the teeth resulting from accidents, using plates and screws.

The Procedure and Process

While the specific steps depend on the nature of the intervention, oral and maxillofacial surgery is generally performed in several standard and safe stages. First, a comprehensive clinical examination is conducted. During this exam, three-dimensional dental tomography (CBCT) or panoramic X-rays are used to evaluate bone structure, sinus cavities, and the anatomical positions of nerves with millimeter precision. Based on this data, a personalized surgical treatment plan is created.

During the operation phase, local anesthesia is applied to the area to ensure the patient feels no pain or discomfort. Depending on the duration of the procedure and the patient’s dental phobia, conscious sedation or general anesthesia may also be preferred under the supervision of specialist anesthesiologists. Once anesthesia is administered, the maxillofacial surgeon performs the planned intervention. At the end of the procedure, the area is closed with sutures to protect the wound from external factors.

The recovery process varies depending on the scale of the treatment. While recovery for a simple impacted tooth extraction takes between a few days and a week, bone grafting and implant surgeries may require 3 to 6 months for the titanium root to fully integrate with the jawbone (osseointegration). For a successful recovery, it is crucial that patients use prescribed medications regularly, consume soft and warm foods in the initial days, apply cold compresses, and do not skip periodic check-ups scheduled by the physician.

What Are the Advantages?

One of the greatest advantages of oral and maxillofacial surgery is the definitive and permanent treatment of chronic infections, anatomical anomalies, and tissue losses that may seem irreversible. Successful surgical procedures allow patients to perform essential life functions such as chewing, breathing, and speaking comfortably and completely. Furthermore, bone grafting stops jawbone resorption, preventing the collapse of facial contours and preserving aesthetic form.

By eliminating existing pathologies, dental and jaw surgery relieves the patient of severe chronic pain. This field offers long-lasting and durable treatment solutions, enabling patients to maintain a healthy oral structure for life through proper care and routine dental check-ups. Applications like implant and orthognathic surgery not only secure functional health but also perfect the individual’s aesthetic appearance, renewing their self-confidence.

You can contact Dentmetrik for detailed information regarding Oral, Dental, and Maxillofacial surgery prices, treatment procedures, and the privileges we offer in Ankara within the scope of health tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you absolutely will not feel anything. All our surgical procedures are performed by completely numbing the area to be treated with advanced local anesthetics. We also have sedation or general anesthesia options available for our patients with phobias.

Although the recovery time varies depending on the extent of the operation, you can generally return to your daily routine within 1 week. Mild swelling and sensitivity that may occur in the first few days are easily controlled with the medications we prescribe and cold compresses.

It is sufficient to send us your panoramic X-ray or tomography digitally before coming to Turkey. Our specialist doctors will examine your files and present you with your personalized treatment plan, length of stay, and cost table via online consultation.

General anesthesia is preferred for patients with severe dental phobia, in situations where multiple surgical procedures (multiple implants, impacted teeth, etc.) need to be performed in a single session, in young children, and in major jaw surgeries (orthognathic surgery).

It is recommended that you eat pureed, warm or cold, grain-free foods in the first few days after the operation. Since it will negatively affect the healing process, extremely hot, acidic, hard foods and cigarette/alcohol consumption must strictly be avoided, especially in the first 48 hours.

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