Who are Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons?

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are the surgical specialists of the dental profession. Our surgical expertise and thorough understanding of both aesthetics and function uniquely qualify us to diagnose, treat and manage the conditions, defects, injuries, and the aesthetic aspects of the mouth, teeth, jaws and face.

Training and Scope of Practice

After four years of dental school, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons complete four or more years of hospital-based surgical residency training. This intensive residency includes rotations through related medical fields, including internal medicine, general surgery, anesthesiology, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, emergency medicine and other medical specialty areas.

At the conclusion of this demanding program, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are well-prepared to perform the full scope of the specialty, which encompasses the diagnosis, surgical and related management of diseases, injuries and defects that involve both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the oral and maxillofacial regions. This includes preventive, reconstructive or emergency care for the teeth, mouth, jaws and associated facial structures.

Controlling Pain and Anxiety

The ability to provide patients with safe, effective outpatient anesthesia has distinguished the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery since its earliest days. As an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Muse is well trained in all aspects of anesthesia administration. During their demanding surgical training OMS residents complete a lengthy rotation in anesthesiology, during which time they become competent in evaluating patients for anesthesia, delivering the anesthetic and monitoring post-anesthetic patients.

As a result of this rigorous training, OMS are well-prepared to identify, diagnose and assess the source of pain and anxiety within the scope of their discipline, and to appropriately administer local anesthesia, all forms of sedation and general anesthesia. Further, they are experienced in airway management, endotracheal intubation, establishing and maintaining intravenous lines, and managing complications and emergencies that may arise during the administration of anesthesia.

The administration of anesthesia in the oral and maxillofacial surgery office has an enviable safety record. Insurance statistics indicate the frequency of office-related mortality and morbidity is one incident in 705,000 anesthesia administered over a 16-year period.

Here at Georgia Oral Surgery, our surgical staff is highly experienced and well trained in assisting with IV sedation and outpatient General Anesthesia. All out patients are fully monitored throughout their surgery using excellent monitoring equipment. We also have a full-time registered nurse (RN) on staff who oversees our patient’s well being throughout their surgery and recovery.

We have the experience, training, and equipment to respond to any possible office emergency. Our entire staff is certified annually in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Our office is certified for administration of outpatient General Anesthesia and I Sedation by the Georgia Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons for the State of Georgia Board of Dental Examiners. Dr. Muse maintains his certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACTS).

Putting Your Mind at Ease

The best way to reduce anxiety is to make certain you know what to expect during and after your surgery. Prior to your surgery, during your consultation appointment, we will review with you the type of anesthetic to be used, as well as the way you are likely to feel after your surgery. This is the time to discus any concerns you may have about any facet of your surgery.

To learn more about the specialty of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, visit their web site at www.aaoms.org.