Corrective jaw surgery may have a transformative effect on those who suffer from persistent bite problems, facial abnormalities, or misaligned jaws. However, not every surgeon who operates on the jaw has the same degree of experience. When considering choices for corrective jaw surgery near Marina Del Rey, patients often have to make a crucial choice: should they go with a general surgeon who only has one qualification or a dual-degree orthognathic specialist who has both medical (MD) and dental (DDS) training?
It is essential to comprehend the differences between these two categories of professions. The distinction has an impact on the patient’s general health, look, and recuperation after surgery in addition to the procedure’s success. The benefits of seeing an orthognathic specialist as opposed to depending on a general surgeon are discussed below.
Orthognathic Surgery: What Is It?
Orthognathic surgery, sometimes referred to as corrective jaw surgery, is intended to realign the jaws and teeth and rectify abnormalities of the jaw bones in order to enhance both function and appearance. Usually, it is advised for problems like:
- Over- or under-bite
- Chewing or swallowing difficulties
- Sleep apnea brought on by anatomical anomalies
- TMJ issues and jaw pain
- Asymmetry in the face
Due to its intricacy, orthognathic surgery often necessitates the cooperation of a surgeon, an orthodontist, and a dental staff. The difference between an orthognathic expert and a general surgeon becomes crucial at this point.
Dual Training: MD/DDS Specialists’ Power
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons who are orthognathic specialists who have earned both an MD and a DDS offer a particular combination of skills to the operating room. These dual-trained professionals devote years to researching the anatomy and function of the face skeleton as well as the teeth. While their dental knowledge guarantees correct bite alignment and cosmetic symmetry, their medical background allows them to properly handle anesthesia, medical problems, and difficult surgical operations.
The outcome of this dual strategy is:
- Improved diagnostic precision: A more comprehensive treatment strategy is made possible by knowledge of both dental function and bone anatomy.
- Enhanced surgical accuracy: For the best outcomes, these professionals can correct teeth and bones using the same procedure.
- Increased safety: Managing surgical complications, particularly in patients with comorbidities, is a specialty of an MD.
Selecting a dual-degree specialist for corrective jaw surgery near Marina Del Rey may greatly boost the likelihood of both functional improvement and a facial profile that looks natural.
General Surgeons: Competent Yet Restricted
Jaw procedures may still be performed by general surgeons or even single-degree oral surgeons (DDS or DMD only). However, they usually only get training in either dentistry or surgery, not both. A more disjointed approach to therapy may arise from this lack of dual training.
Without completely comprehending how modifications to the bone may affect the biting function or facial symmetry, general surgeons may have to depend significantly on the orthodontist’s suggestions. Furthermore, in difficult instances, these surgeons could be less prepared to handle issues with the soft tissues, nerves, or airways.
For simple jaw repairs, general surgery may be acceptable for some patients, but more complicated structural problems often call for the multifaceted knowledge that only MD/DDS-trained specialists can provide.
Treatment Planning And Cooperation
Additionally, orthodontic experts are more used to collaborating with other dental professionals, such as speech therapists and orthodontists, in multidisciplinary teams. Strong interdisciplinary communication is fostered by their training, guaranteeing a unified treatment plan from orthodontic work done after surgery to pre-operative preparation.
On the other hand, general surgeons may take a more limited approach to jaw surgery, often handling simply the skeletal repair without giving much thought to how the teeth and jaw will work together in the future.
Functional And Aesthetic Results
In addition to treating medical conditions, jaw surgery is often sought for its ability to drastically alter the look of the face. Orthognathic doctors with dual training are skilled at striking a balance between appearance and functionality. They are more knowledgeable about how to realign the jaw to promote long-term oral health, improve speech, and improve facial symmetry.
Function may improve for patients who have surgery with a general surgeon, but the cosmetic outcomes may not be as sophisticated or customized.
Conclusion
Training is important when deciding between general surgeons and orthognathic specialists for jaw surgery. An orthognathic surgeon’s dual MD/DDS training offers a more thorough, integrated approach, which significantly improves patient satisfaction, safety, and results.
Prioritize doctors with specialized expertise and a track record of success in both the medical and dentistry fields if you’re thinking about getting corrective jaw surgery near Marina Del Rey. This guarantees a successful procedure as well as a self-assured, healthy future with improved function, appearance, and quality of life.