A unique branch of dentistry is known as maxillofacial surgery. It includes surgical procedures to treat conditions, wounds, and flaws in your face, jaw, or mouth. Maxillofacial surgeons are highly skilled professionals who identify and address issues with: Maxillofacial surgery is performed to: Improve jaw function, Relieve pain. Maxillofacial surgery can treat a variety of dental problems and conditions, such as dentures, Inserting dental implants. Extraction of affected teeth,Treatment of oral diseases. Procedures can also treat jaw problems, such as: Bone grafting, or the transplantation of bone from another area of the body to replace missing bone in the jaw. Reconstruction of the jaw to correct an abnormal under bite. Treat TMJ disorders, which affect the area where the lower jaw meets the skull. Treatment of trauma-related injuries to the face, jaw and mouth. Other reasons for maxillofacial surgery include: Correction of congenital abnormalities (present at birth) such as cleft lip and palate. Diagnosis and treatment of cysts, tumours, cancer and other growths in the head and neck area. Diagnosis of Reasons for chronic facial pain. Treatment of facial trauma (injuries), such as B. facial fractures or damaged maxillofacial tissue. As with any surgery, there are risks associated with maxillofacial surgery, such as: Bleeding. Dry socket, a painful condition that can occur after tooth extraction with problems with blood clots. Infection. Injury to the maxillofacial bones or tissue, including the teeth, lips, tongue, cheeks, chin, nasal passages, and sinuses. Numbness or changes in sensation in the mouth or other areas of the face.Pain. Possible damage to the nerves that move some of the facial muscles.Root fragments, a rare complication of removing a tooth root is moved and remains in place after surgery.TMJ disorders.  Recovery after maxillofacial surgery depends on the type of surgery you are undergoing. You will likely experience discomfort, tenderness, swelling, and bleeding for at least a few days. Your healthcare provider may recommend pain medication to keep you comfortable. If you have received stitches, they will resolve or be removed within about a week. You may need certain foods avoid and activities for days or weeks. Your healthcare provider will provide you with specific instructions, which may include: Use ice packs to reduce swelling. Avoid crunchy, chewy, or hard ones Food. Avoid tobacco products and alcohol. Do not exercise for a few days as this can increase bleeding and swelling. Rest when to prevent complications. Rinse instead of brush to kill bacteria in the mouth. See a doctor after maxillofacial surgery if you notice signs of infection or other complications: Fever or chills. Abnormal swelling or Pain that occurs does not gradually improve. Salty, metallic, or foul taste in the mouth that does not go away. Excessive pus or blood. A Note from the Cleveland Clinic Maxillofacial surgery includes surgery to correct a disease, injury, or defect of the face, jaw, or mouth. Maxillofacial surgeons are specialist dentists with further training

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