What is Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery?

             Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery is the surgical specialty that involves the diagnosis and management (surgical and non-surgical) of diseases involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral-maxillofacial/head & neck region.

 Training in Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery requires a minimum of 4-6 years in an accredited hospital-based residency training program following the completion of dental school (D.D.S./D.M.D.). Many of the surgeons have completed medical degrees (M.D.) as well as advanced training fellowships in areas such as head & neck cancer surgery, microvascular surgery, cleft lip & palate and craniofacial surgery.

What are some reasons to visit the Oral-Maxillofacial Surgeon?

• Have a cancer of the oral cavity, jaws, face or neck diagnosed, removed and reconstructed

• Have a cyst/growth of the oral cavity, jaws or face

• Have a problem related to a salivary gland (tumor or obstructed gland)

• Treatment of osteoradionecrosis or other jaw bone related infection

• Facial and jaw reconstruction following cancer/tumor surgery

• Have your jaw aligned with orthognathic surgery

• Have a developmental deformity such as a cleft lip or palate

• Have your jaw joint(s) repaired with TMJ surgery

• Have your facial bones realigned after facial trauma

• Have a consultation to determine whether you are a candidate for aesthetic/cosmetic facial surgery

• Have teeth replaced by having dental implants inserted

• Have an oral surgical procedure performed in the office under outpatient ambulatory anesthesia

• Have a tooth extracted