What Conditions Can an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Treat?
Posted on 9/1/2026 by Beaverton Oral Surgeons |
 Let's talk about your mouth and face! You probably think of your dentist when you need routine oral care, like cleanings and checkups. But what happens when you have a problem that's more complex? That's where an oral and maxillofacial surgeon comes in. These specialists are like the architects and engineers of your face, dealing with issues that go beyond basic dentistry.
What is Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialized field of dentistry focused on treating diseases, injuries, and defects involving the mouth, jaws, face, and skull. Think of it as a bridge between dentistry and medicine, requiring extensive training in both fields. A maxillofacial surgeon undergoes years of rigorous education, including dental school and a hospital-based residency. This residency provides hands-on experience in anesthesia, general surgery, and managing complex medical conditions.
Common Conditions Treated
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons handle a wide variety of conditions. Here are some of the most common:
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Impacted Teeth: Wisdom teeth are notorious for causing problems when they don't have enough room to erupt properly. They can become trapped (impacted) in the jawbone, leading to pain, infection, and damage to nearby teeth. A maxillofacial surgeon expertly removes these problematic teeth. |
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Facial Trauma: Accidents happen. When they result in fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, or other facial bones, a maxillofacial surgeon is often called upon to repair and reconstruct the damaged areas. This includes treating soft tissue injuries, like lacerations, as well. |
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Jaw Problems (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders - TMJ): Do you experience chronic jaw pain, clicking, or locking? These could be signs of TMJ disorders. Maxillofacial surgeons can diagnose and manage these conditions through various methods, from conservative treatments to surgical interventions when necessary. |
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Reconstructive Surgery: Sometimes, surgery is needed to correct deformities or defects of the face and jaws. This could be due to birth defects, trauma, or previous surgeries. These surgeons can perform procedures to improve both function and appearance. |
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Oral Cancer: Maxillofacial surgeons play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer. They perform biopsies, remove tumors, and reconstruct affected areas. |
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Dental Implants: While many general dentists place dental implants, maxillofacial surgeons often handle more complex cases, such as those involving bone grafting or implant placement in areas with limited bone density. They work closely with restoration dentistry specialists to help patients regain a complete and functional smile. |
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Sleep Apnea: In some cases, maxillofacial surgery can be part of a treatment plan for obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Surgery may involve repositioning the jaws to open the airway. |
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Cleft Lip and Palate: These are birth defects that affect the lip and/or roof of the mouth. Maxillofacial surgeons are key members of the team that provides comprehensive care for children with these conditions. |
Working with Your Dental Team
It's important to remember that a maxillofacial surgeon is often part of a larger team of healthcare professionals. They may collaborate with your general dentist, orthodontist, prosthodontist, and other specialists to provide the best possible care. If your dentist recommends you see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, it's because they believe it's the most appropriate course of action for your specific situation.
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