Overview
In many cases, abnormalities with the bite or tooth alignment can be corrected by utilizing today's modern dental and orthodontic treatment technologies. Skeletal and dental anomalies, on the other hand, might be difficult to treat, even with the most advanced non-surgical procedures. Corrective jaw surgery (also known as orthognathic surgery) may be recommended at this point. Jaw surgery can be performed to treat serious orthodontic disorders involving the relationship of the teeth and jaws, such as underbites (the most common surgical correction) and congenital abnormalities (birth defects) related to jaw development. It can even help with sleep apnea, a possibly deadly condition. After completing the regular four years of dentistry school, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon spends four years in a hospital-based residency program before performing orthognathic surgery. Dental surgeons train with other medical and surgical residents in fields such as emergency medicine, general surgery, and anesthesiology there. Aside from anesthesiologists, they are the only medical practitioners who can provide all levels of sedation and general anesthesia.