What is Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the surgical specialists of the dental profession. Their extensive education and training, surgical expertise and unparalleled understanding of esthetics and function uniquely qualify them to treat the conditions, defects, injuries and esthetic aspects of the mouth, teeth, jaws and face. Patients who complain of pain or problems in this area are routinely referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for help.
Training and Scope of Practice
Following dental school, oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete a minimum of four years in a hospital-based surgical residency program. They train alongside medical residents in internal medicine, general surgery and anesthesiology, and also spend time in otolaryngology, plastic surgery, and emergency medicine. Their training focuses almost exclusively on the hard (ie, bone) and soft (ie, skin, muscle) tissue of the face, mouth, and jaws.
There are other specialists and general dentists who offer similar services; however, no one has similar training and experience. The only person who is trained in oral surgery is an oral surgeon.
Office Surgery and Anesthesia
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are unique among non-anesthesiology practitioners in health care, in that they train with anesthesiologists and anesthesiology residents. No other dental or medical specialty requires this level of training and, as a result, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the only healthcare specialists, aside from anesthesiologists, to administer all levels of sedation and general anesthesia. Anesthesia administered in the OMS office ranges from conscious sedation, to deep IV sedation and general anesthesia. The level of anesthesia administered is carefully matched to the specific needs of the patient and the type of procedure that is to be performed.
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Why You Should See a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Board Certification demonstrates Dr. M. A. Ganni’s commitment for providing the highest standard of care for his patients through a certification process that consists of testing his knowledge, experience and skills. Board Certification through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery shows a commitment by the surgeon to provide the highest quality surgical care throughout every modality of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.