Overview
An oral surgeon is a dental specialist who treats problems of the mouth, jaw, and face through surgery.
This guide is for patients who have been referred for oral surgery or who want to understand what an oral and maxillofacial surgeon does. It covers common procedures, training, what to expect at a visit, cost factors, and when specialty care makes sense. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a recognized branch of dentistry, and the people who practice it complete years of training after dental school [9].
Key Information
An oral surgeon handles surgical procedures that go beyond routine dental care. The work covers teeth, the jaws, and the facial bones.
What an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Does
A maxillofacial surgeon operates on the hard and soft tissues of the face, mouth, and jaws. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, this work ranges from removing teeth to repairing facial injuries and correcting jaw alignment [9]. The field of oral and maxillofacial surgery is sometimes described as full scope because it covers so many surgical procedures. You can learn more on the oral-surgery page.
Common Oral Surgery Procedures
Many oral surgery visits involve wisdom teeth. Removing wisdom teeth, also called third molars, is one of the most common procedures in the field [6]. Oral surgeons also place dental implants to replace missing teeth, treat jaw pain and joint problems, and perform orthognathic surgery to correct how the upper and lower jaws meet. Some oral surgeons work with orthodontists, and research has studied surgery that can speed up tooth movement during orthodontic care [5].
- Wisdom teeth removal: taking out third molars that are impacted or causing problems [6].
- Dental implants: titanium posts placed in the jaw to replace missing teeth.
- Facial fracture repair: setting broken bones in the face and jaw.
- Apicoectomy: surgery on the root tip of a tooth when a root canal alone has not healed it [8].
- Jaw and TMJ care: treatment for ongoing jaw pain and joint disorders [1].
Training and Board Certification
Becoming an oral surgeon takes years beyond dental school. After earning a dental degree, surgeons complete a hospital-based residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery that usually lasts four or more years. Board certification through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery shows that a surgeon has passed extra written and oral exams. A board certified oral surgeon has met these standards. You can ask whether your surgeon is board certified before treatment [9].
What to Know Before Oral Surgery
Timing for oral surgery depends on the problem, your age, and your overall health. Some cases are urgent, while others can be planned.
Dentists often check wisdom teeth in the late teens and early twenties. Roots are still forming at that age, and recovery is often easier then [6].
In children and adolescents, many facial fractures are treated without open surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that both closed reduction and open reduction can work for facial fractures in young patients, and the right choice depends on the fracture [4].
Tell your surgeon about all medications before oral surgery. Drugs called bisphosphonates, often used for bone conditions, can affect healing around dental implants and the jawbone [2]. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons has published guidance on a related condition called medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw [3].
What to Expect
An oral surgery visit usually starts with an exam and imaging, followed by the procedure and a recovery plan.
At the first appointment, the maxillofacial surgeon reviews your history, examines the area, and may take X-rays or a scan. You will talk through the surgical procedures planned and your sedation options.
Sedation options range from local anesthesia, which numbs one area, to general anesthesia, which puts you fully to sleep. Your surgeon chooses an approach based on the procedure and your comfort, and patient comfort guides these decisions.
After surgery, you get instructions for pain, swelling, and eating. For routine wisdom teeth removal, one study found that scheduled postoperative visits added limited value for patients who had no symptoms [7]. Even so, follow your surgeon's advice and call the office if problems appear.
Cost Factors
The cost of oral surgery varies widely. Price depends on the procedure, how complex your case is, and where you live.
Costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity. A single tooth removal costs far less than dental implants or jaw surgery. Maxillofacial surgery that involves the jaw bones tends to cost more, and sedation, imaging, and follow-up care add to the total.
Dental insurance may cover part of oral surgery when it is medically needed, such as removing impacted wisdom teeth. Medical insurance sometimes applies for facial fracture repair or jaw surgery. Ask both your surgeon's office and your insurer for an estimate before treatment [10].
When to See a Specialist
See an oral surgeon when a problem needs surgery your general dentist does not perform, or when a case is too complex for routine care.
Your general dentist handles cleanings, fillings, and many extractions. They refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for the situations below.
Find a Specialist
Finding the right oral surgeon often starts with a referral from your dentist or a search for a board certified specialist near you. Use My Specialty Dentist to find a maxillofacial surgeon and learn more on the oral-surgery page. Ask about board certification, experience with your procedure, and sedation options before you decide.
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