MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEONS: GUARDIANS OF THE FACE

Dr. Yash Merchant, MDS, FRCS (UK), Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon, Jupiter Hospital

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Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons are skilled specialists who focus on diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide spectrum of conditions related to the mouth, jaw, face, and neck. These professionals are trained to handle both dental and surgical issues pertaining to the jaws often working in multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for patients with complex conditions.

Some of their major skillset & expertise includes:

Trauma and Injury Treatment: It involves repairing fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, and facial bones, as well as injuries to the soft tissues, such as cuts, lacerations, and nerve damage. Immediate intervention is crucial to restore both functionality and aesthetic appearance.

Orthognathic Surgery: Maxillofacial surgeons perform corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) to address misalignments or deformities of the jaw and face that cause functional problems such as difficulty in chewing, speaking, or breathing. This procedure may also help alleviate issues like sleep apnea or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Reconstructive Surgery: These surgeons also specialize in reconstructing the facial and oral structures following tumors, cysts, or trauma. For patients suffering from cancer, maxillofacial surgeons perform complex procedures to remove malignant growths and rebuild facial structures to restore both form and function.