Oral and maxillofacial surgery (often shortened to OMS) is the dental specialty that bridges dentistry and medicine. Oral surgeons are highly trained to diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and defects involving the teeth, mouth, jawbones, and facial structures.
From routine tooth extractions to complex jaw reconstruction, these specialists perform procedures that restore function, relieve pain, and improve facial balance and appearance.
If you’ve been referred to an oral surgeon, or your dentist has recommended a surgical procedure, this guide will help you understand what oral and maxillofacial surgery includes and when it’s needed.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete several additional years of hospital-based surgical training after dental school. Their expertise covers a wide range of areas, including:
These specialists often work closely with general dentists, orthodontists, prosthodontists, and periodontists to coordinate comprehensive care.
You may be referred to an oral surgeon if you experience:
Below are the most common and significant procedures performed in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Each heading can link to its own detailed page as your library expand
Performed when a tooth is too damaged to be restored with a filling or crown. The procedure removes the tooth with minimal trauma, often using local anesthesia.
Wisdom teeth often become impacted or erupt at improper angles, leading to pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth. Surgical removal prevents complications and preserves oral health.
When bone loss has occurred due to tooth extraction, gum disease, or trauma, grafting materials are placed to rebuild bone structure. Ridge preservation helps maintain the jaw’s shape for future dental implants.
A bone-grafting procedure that raises the sinus floor to create sufficient height for dental implants in the upper back jaw.
Rebuilds uneven or thin jaw ridges to restore natural contour and support prosthetics or implants.
Replaces lost or receded gum tissue using donor tissue from the patient or a biocompatible source. Improves root coverage, esthetics, and sensitivity while protecting teeth from further recession.
A minimally invasive grafting technique that uses small “tunnels” beneath the gumline to place tissue grafts without large incisions or sutures, promoting faster healing and a more natural appearance.
A regenerative procedure that uses barrier membranes to promote the regrowth of bone and connective tissue lost to periodontal disease or trauma.
Realigns the jaws to correct bite irregularities, improve facial balance, and treat conditions such as severe overbites, underbites, or open bites. Often performed in coordination with orthodontic treatment.
A specialized technique used to gradually lengthen bone when the jaw or facial structure is underdeveloped. It allows the body to generate new bone tissue as the segments are gently separated.
Used when a tooth—commonly a canine—fails to erupt naturally. The surgeon exposes the tooth so an orthodontist can guide it into position using braces or aligners.
Tori are benign bony growths that may interfere with dentures, speech, or oral hygiene. Surgical removal smooths these areas for improved comfort and function.
Oral surgeons provide immediate care for facial trauma, including jaw fractures, knocked-out teeth, and soft-tissue lacerations. They also manage acute infections, abscesses, and post-accident reconstruction.
Modern oral surgery relies on cutting-edge technology for precision and safety:
These tools help ensure optimal outcomes and faster, more comfortable healing.
Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the surgery. Most patients experience only mild swelling or discomfort for a few days. Following post-operative instructions—such as rest, cold compresses, and a soft-food diet—helps ensure smooth healing. More complex surgeries, such as jaw reconstruction, require longer recovery and follow-up visits to monitor progress.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery plays a vital role in:
These procedures often make future restorative or cosmetic treatments possible.
If you need a tooth extraction, jaw surgery, or advanced oral care, use our Dentist Directory to locate a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon near you. Patient reviews can help you choose a provider experienced in the type of procedure you need.
General dentists perform preventive and restorative treatments. Oral surgeons complete additional surgical training and handle complex extractions, bone grafts, jaw surgery, and facial trauma.
Most procedures are performed with local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. Discomfort afterward is typically mild and manageable with medication and proper care.
Minor procedures may heal within a few days, while major surgeries (like orthognathic surgery) can take several weeks. Your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions.
Yes. Oral surgeons are among the most qualified professionals for implant placement, especially when bone grafting or sinus lifts are required.
A soft-food diet—soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes, yogurt, eggs—is usually recommended until healing progresses.
Persistent pain, popping, or locking in the jaw may signal TMJ disorder or bite misalignment. An oral surgeon can evaluate and recommend appropriate treatment.
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