Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: A Detailed Overview and List of Specialists in Nairobi
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialized field of surgery that focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries, and defects related to the mouth, jaw, face, and neck. This medical specialty combines both dental and medical skills, addressing a wide range of conditions that affect the soft and hard tissues in the oral and facial regions. In Nairobi, a growing number of skilled professionals offer this specialized service, making it essential to understand what oral and maxillofacial surgery entails and where to find expert care in the city.
What is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery involves the surgical treatment of a variety of conditions, including:
- Jaw and facial trauma: Injuries to the face, including fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, and nose.
- Tumors and cysts: Benign and malignant growths in the mouth or face, including the removal of oral cancers.
- Congenital and developmental disorders: Conditions like cleft lips and palates or malocclusions (misalignment of teeth and jaws).
- Tooth extractions: Especially for impacted wisdom teeth or other problematic teeth that cannot be treated by general dentistry.
- Reconstructive surgery: Restoring form and function after facial injuries, tumors, or congenital deformities.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Surgical solutions for jaw joint problems that cause pain or limited movement.
- Oral infections: Severe infections affecting the mouth, jaw, or facial structures, such as abscesses or infections due to tooth decay.
The procedures may be performed in a hospital or a clinic setting, under local or general anesthesia depending on the complexity of the issue.
Common Conditions Treated by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- Facial Trauma: Injuries resulting from accidents, sports injuries, or assaults.
- Jaw Disorders: Issues such as misaligned jaws, which may require realignment or orthognathic surgery.
- Wisdom Teeth Extraction: Removal of impacted or infected third molars that can cause pain and complications.
- Oral Cancer: Surgical removal of tumors or lesions in the mouth, tongue, and surrounding areas.
- TMJ Disorders: Surgeries to address pain or dysfunction of the jaw joint.
- Cleft Lip and Palate: Surgical repair of congenital conditions that affect the lip and palate.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Procedures
Some of the common surgical procedures performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons include:
- Orthognathic surgery: Corrects misalignments in the jaws, improving both function and appearance.
- Facial reconstructive surgery: Restoration of facial features after trauma or deformities.
- Cyst and tumor removal: Excision of oral and facial cysts or tumors.
- Bone grafting: Used to rebuild bone lost due to disease, injury, or congenital defects.
- Implants and prostheses: Placement of dental implants to replace missing teeth or reconstruct the jaw structure.
Top Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in Nairobi
If you are seeking oral and maxillofacial surgery in Nairobi, the following list includes some of the well-known specialists who offer a range of surgical services, including consultations, procedures, and post-operative care:
1. Dr. M. K. K. S. Khanna
- Specialty: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Jaw Surgery, Facial Trauma.
- Location: Nairobi Hospital, Upper Hill
- Address: Nairobi Hospital, Argwings Kodhek Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 2845000, +254 720 852 753
2. Dr. Peter J. Ndegwa
- Specialty: General Surgery, Maxillofacial Trauma, TMJ Disorders, and Cleft Lip/Palate Surgery.
- Location: Aga Khan University Hospital
- Address: Aga Khan University Hospital, Garden Avenue, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 366 2000, +254 720 422 926
3. Dr. Joy M. Mwaura
- Specialty: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental Implants, Tumor Removal, and Reconstructive Surgery.
- Location: Nairobi Hospital, Upper Hill
- Address: Nairobi Hospital, Argwings Kodhek Road, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 724 900 145
4. Dr. John Mburu
- Specialty: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthognathic Surgery, Facial Reconstruction, and Wisdom Teeth Extractions.
- Location: Nairobi Dental Specialist Clinic
- Address: Nairobi Dental Specialist, Kimathi Street, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 709 272 000
5. Dr. Lucy M. Muema
- Specialty: Maxillofacial Surgery, Trauma Management, Cosmetic Facial Surgery.
- Location: Nairobi Hospital
- Address: Nairobi Hospital, Argwings Kodhek Road, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 2845000, +254 722 613 089
6. Dr. Anwar M. Ahmed
- Specialty: Oral Surgery, Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery.
- Location: Kenyatta National Hospital
- Address: Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 2726300, +254 722 774 189
7. Dr. Caroline M. Ndungu
- Specialty: Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental Implants, Facial Aesthetic Surgery.
- Location: Nairobi Hospital
- Address: Nairobi Hospital, Argwings Kodhek Road, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 724 900 153
8. Dr. George W. Kiarie
- Specialty: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, TMJ Disorders, Jaw Realignment Surgery.
- Location: Nairobi Medical Centre
- Address: Nairobi Medical Centre, Parklands Road, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 3756065, +254 722 443 454
9. Dr. Stanley M. Ochieng
- Specialty: Oral Surgery, Trauma Management, Cleft Lip and Palate Repair.
- Location: Mater Misericordiae Hospital
- Address: Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 2710000, +254 722 447 202
How to Choose the Right Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in Nairobi
When choosing an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Nairobi, consider the following factors:
- Experience and Specialization: Ensure the surgeon has significant experience in the specific area you need, whether it’s trauma, reconstructive surgery, or dental implants.
- Reputation: Look for surgeons with good reviews or recommendations from other healthcare professionals or patients.
- Hospital Affiliation: Check if the surgeon is affiliated with a reputable hospital, as this can affect the quality of care you receive.
- Consultation Availability: Book an initial consultation to assess the surgeon’s approach, communication style, and understanding of your needs.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a vital specialty that provides effective solutions for a range of facial and dental issues. Whether you need surgical treatment for an accident, congenital defect, or aesthetic enhancement, Nairobi offers numerous experienced surgeons and clinics. By consulting one of the specialists listed above, you can receive quality care tailored to your needs. Always ensure that the surgeon you choose is well-qualified and has a proven track record in the procedures you require