Scope of Practice

The scope of this specialty is extensive and due to prolonged education and training, surgical expertise and unparalleled understanding of aesthetic and function uniquely qualify maxillofacial surgeon to treat the following conditions:

Dento-alveolar surgery: Surgical management of diseases of teeth and their supporting hard and soft tissue structures. This includes difficult tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, orthodontic surgery in preparation for orthodontic treatment and pre-prosthetic surgery for preparation of the mouth for placement of dentures or dental implants.

Dental implants

These are innovative techniques that offer patients long-lasting and natural looking results for replacement of absent teeth. Titanium implants are used. Adjunctive surgery to enhance successful implant placement normally include bone grafting, sinus lift surgical procedure as well as soft tissue manipulation. Teeth rehabilitation by means of implant replacement is normally done by a team that will include the restorative dentist.

Reconstructive surgery

Inadequate bone structure in the upper and lower jaw can result from injuries or trauma, tumour surgery or even long-term denture wear. Soft tissue as well as hard tissue reconstruction can be done to enhance function, aesthetics and quality of life.

Facial trauma

The treatment and repairing of facial trauma including fractures of the upper and lower jaws as well as forehead area including the orbits. Facial lacerations and the linage of how jaws come together is critical when repairing complex facial fractures. The maxillofacial and oral surgeon is extensively qualified due to dental and medicine training. Facial trauma does not only result from events like combat or automobile accidents but can also include childhood facial injuries caused by skateboards, bicycle accidents or from falls. Sports-related injuries as well as work-related injuries are included in the spectrum of work.

Oral facial pain

Infection, malocclusion, temporo mandibular joint disorders, tumours or even nerve pathology may cause facial pain. Treatment might include appropriate medical and surgical interventions.

Facial infections

Pain and swelling in the face, neck and jaws may indicate an infection that might develop into a life threatening emergency if not treated promptly and effectively.

Lesion removal and biopsy

Abnormal growths of tissue in the mouth and evaluation by means of special investigations that might include x-rays, MR, CT scans or histology can be done or interpreted by the maxillofacial surgeon.

Temporo Mandibular Joint (TMJ)

Disorders can also cause facial pain and headaches. Evaluation, diagnosis, conservative as well as surgical treatment of the temporo mandibular disorders can be administered. Dr. Scheepers is uniquely qualified to do surgical treatment of the TM joint, especially by means of standard or custom-made TM joint replacements. He received additional training in Vienna, University of Odense in Denmark as well as the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, USA.

Oral pathology

Might include benign as well as malignant lesions. Benign lesions can include cysts or tumours of the jaws and malignant lesion cancers of the head and neck areas. Maxillofacial surgeons are also uniquely qualified to treat diseases if the salivary glands.

Oral facial deformities

Different skeletal growths between the upper and lower jaws may lead to problems with chewing, swallowing, speech and temporo mandibular joint performance. Patients may also experience psychological difficulties stemming from aesthetic and social concerns. Corrective jaw surgery is normally undertaken in combination with an orthodontist.

Facial cosmetic surgery

As a result of surgical and dental background and the ability to reconstruct facial structures damaged through trauma, maxillofacial and oral surgeons are keenly aware of the importance of harmony between facial appearance and function. Many of today’s facial and cosmetic procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis in the surgeon’s office. In recent years, however, a growing number of men and women of all ages are choosing facial cosmetic surgery to improve their appearance and reduce the signs of aging. Non-invasive cosmetic can include specific skin treatment for treating wrinkles or otherwise damaged skin. Botulinis toxin injections can reduce the signs aging by reducing muscle activity wrinkles of the eyebrow and forehead. It is especially effective in reducing frown lines. Injectable fillers are synthetic or natural occurring materials that are placed with small needles to plump wrinkles, furrows or grooves in the skin. The results are instantaneous but the duration might vary between materials chosen as well as the area of treatment.

Congenital deformities like cleft lip and palate repair

As a member of the team of specialists, the oral maxillofacial specialist plays an important role in the carefully orchestrated multiple-stage correctional programme designed to help restore jaw and facial structures, leading to normal function and appearance. Dr. Scheepers practice includes a total spectrum of maxillofacial and oral surgery. His vision is to be able to provide a comprehensive service to the Lowveld and to improve health and quality of life.