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Oral Surgeon
Oral and facial surgeons have knowledge and expertise that uniquely qualifies them to diagnose and treat several functional and esthetic conditions in this anatomical area.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) is one of the nine recognized specialties of dentistry. OMFS includes the diagnosis, surgical, and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects, including both the functional and aesthetic aspects, of the hard and soft tissues of the head, face, neck and oral cavity. What this really means is that we deal with the diagnosis and management of problems from the clavicles (collar bones) to the brain. In this area, we do overlap with some other medical specialties. Many Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons also have medical degrees and much of our work is carried out in hospitals alongside other medical specialties. Dr. Mueller has extensive training in face and jaw reconstruction – from facial cosmetic procedures such as facelift, to restoring teeth with dental implants, to complete prosthetic TMJ reconstruction.
When choosing the oral surgeon for your procedure, trust and expertise are everything. We provide honest, insightful advice about which procedures will be most beneficial for you, to empower you to make informed decisions about your oral health.
Dr. Mueller Oral Surgery provides personalized and compassionate care to each patient. Our highly trained team listens to your concerns and utilizes the latest technology for the best possible outcome. Trust us to provide exceptional care for your oral surgery needs.
Our goal at Virginia Facial Surgery is to provide for your total comfort and maximized satisfaction. Whatever your specific interests may be, you can expect genuine and personalized care to optimize your experience. We look forward to personally meeting you and answering your questions about facial plastic surgery. It would be our pleasure to take care of you.
Specialty Qualifications
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the only dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association who are surgically trained in a hospital-based residency program for a minimum of four years. They train alongside surgical residents in internal medicine, general surgery and anesthesiology, otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat), facial plastic surgery, emergency medicine and other specialty areas including trauma and neurosurgery. This training focuses almost completely on the bone, skin and muscles of the face, mouth, jaws, neck and the entire craniofacial region.
Oral and facial surgeons have knowledge and expertise that uniquely qualifies them to diagnose and treat a number of functional and esthetic conditions in this anatomical area. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are highly trained in their specialty. In addition to a graduate degree in dentistry, they must complete a four- to six-year surgical residency program, obtaining both an M.D. degree and certification in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This unique training and expertise sets oral and maxillofacial surgeons apart from all other specialties that treat patients with head and neck and oral conditions.
– First of all, be sure that the doctor is actually an OMFS…there are many general dentists and periodontists (gum doctors) that advertise that they are “oral surgeons” or provide “oral surgery services.” This is misleading and false advertising. While they may elect to perform oral surgery procedures, they are not oral surgeons. Ask to see their American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (AAOMS) credentials. If they cannot provide their AAOMS certificate, they are NOT an OMFS or an “oral surgeon”.
– Second, be certain that the OMFS is Board Certified. It is very meaningful and important that an OMFS passes the written and oral board exams. This ensures the public that the doctor has had proper training and the proper knowledge base. Ask to view the doctor’s American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) certificate. Most board-certified OMFS doctors proudly display this certificate in their office. Board certification is the ONLY barometer of proper training and knowledge base.
– Finally, be aware of doctors presenting false or non-ADA (American Dental Association)- recognized specialty credentials. Beware of “credentials” touting “TMJ and Sleep Apnea Specialist,” “American Association of Craniofacial Pain Specialist,” “The American Board of Oral Implantology,” or “Dental Implant College” credentials. These “specialties” and “specialty designations” are not recognized by the AMA or the ADA. These are very fancy certificates given out after a doctor completes a weekend or week-long continuing education course. Only OMFS doctors have had 4 – 7 years of a hospital-based surgical residency. This uniquely qualifies them to manage oral and facial conditions outside the realm of general dentistry. Also, beware of advertising gimmicks such as, “center for dental implants,” or “institute for dental implants.” These advertisers usually bear the same false credentials listed above.
Be certain to look for both of these seals on membership certificates.
The only specialties recognized by the ADA are:
– Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – described herein.
– Endodontics – root canal specialists.
– Pedodontics – dentistry for children.
– Orthodontics – diagnosis and treatment of malocclusion.
– Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology – Dental radiology specialist.
– Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology – Identification and Diagnosis of Oral Pathology.
– Dental Public health
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat a broad range of conditions and symptoms, including impacted teeth, missing teeth requiring dental implants, facial aging, facial injuries and deformities, misaligned jaws, tempo-mandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, sleep apnea, and oral cancers. Procedures include, but are not limited to, dental implants, tooth extractions including wisdom teeth, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. In addition, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the only dental specialists who are sufficiently trained and permitted to practice general anesthesia techniques in most states. This is the case in the state of Virginia. The scope of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery practice includes, among others:
- Outpatient Anesthesia
- Dental implants and bone grafting
- Dentoalveolar Surgery to manage diseases of the teeth and their supporting soft and hard tissues
- Surgical Correction of Maxillofacial Skeletal Deformities
- Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery
- Facial Trauma Surgery
- Temporomandibular Joint Surgery
- Surgical Management of the Complex Airway
- Pathologic Conditions, such as head and neck cancer
- Facial Reconstructive Surgery
- Facial Cosmetic Surgery
- Surgical Correction of Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the best treatment option for missing teeth in most cases. Rather than having dentures or a bridge, dental implants are a permanent replacement for teeth.
Wisdom Teeth & Extractions
Removal of Wisdom Teeth and decaying teeth can prevent serious health concerns and Dr. Mueller has the experience to properly attend to your needs.
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADS)
Devices that are temporarily fixed to the bone for assistance with orthodontic anchorage. The device is used to assist with the movement of adjacent teeth.
Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic)
Dr Mueller works closely with the local orthodontists, determines which corrective jaw procedures are appropriate, and then performs the actual surgery.
Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SAPRE)
Correction of a posterior cross-bite helps prevent asymmetrical growth of the lower jaw. Rapid palatal expansion is often used to correct this problem.
Oral Pathology (Biopsy Procedure)
The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process.
Bone Grafting & Platelet Rich Plasma
Bone grafting procedures can be performed with either local anesthesia or IV anesthesia. These procedures are performed in the hospital with general anesthesia.
Sinus Lift
Sinus augmentation (sinus lift) is performed when the floor of the sinus is too close to an area where dental implants are to be placed. This procedure is performed to ensure a secure place for the implants while protecting the sinus. Lowering of the sinus can be caused by: Long-term tooth loss without the required treatment, periodontal disease, trauma, or as a natural process in some people.
Schedule a Consultation
The consultation is perhaps the most important time spent between the doctor, staff, and patient. It is paramount that patients feel relaxed and be prepared to talk and listen. Some patients are nervous when it comes to talking to someone about their cosmetic concerns.
Please feel free to bring a spouse or friend along. It is always good to discuss the treatment at some point with a caregiver or support person.
We will address your concerns, and at the same time, Dr. Mueller will fully evaluate your facial features. He will then discuss the comprehensive changes of aging and the available options to improve and enhance your look. We will discuss your health history and how it relates to safe surgery and anesthesia. Please be prepared to discuss your medical history and have a list of all the medications that you are taking. This includes all supplements and over-the-counter medications. It is also important to know if you smoke and how much.
Dr. Mueller always reminds patients that facial cosmetic surgery is a want or desire to look better. There are always multiple options for rejuvenation and he will discuss various treatment options. We encourage you to take notes since we will be discussing many things. We will provide you with a list of procedures we discussed as well as their costs. We want all of our patients to feel satisfied with their cosmetic surgery results.
