What Does an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Do? Your Guide to Specialized Surgical Care in Bonsall, CA

Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the mouth, jaws, face, head, and neck. This specialty combines surgical, dental, and medical skills. If you want to know what an oral and maxillofacial surgeon does, this guide explains the types of care you may discuss at a consultation.

The Procedures

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon can perform a range of procedures. Each treatment requires a thorough understanding of the patient’s needs, including the functional and aesthetic aspects of the jaw and face. The examples below describe the specialty as a whole; available procedures vary by surgeon and practice.

Facial trauma repair. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons may repair soft-tissue injuries and facial fractures, including broken jaws, to help restore structure and function after an injury.

Cosmetic facial procedures. Depending on their training and practice focus, some surgeons offer treatments ranging from cosmetic injections to facial surgery. Ask your surgeon which procedures they provide and whether a referral is appropriate.

Reconstructive surgery and dental implants. These treatments can help rebuild damaged or missing jawbone and replace missing teeth. Dental implants may provide long-term support for replacement teeth, but they require ongoing care and do not guarantee lifelong results or prevent all future bone loss.

Cleft lip and palate surgery. These procedures address congenital differences in the upper lip and roof of the mouth. Care often involves a specialist team and may help improve eating, speech, appearance, and other functions.

Orthognathic surgery. Also called corrective jaw surgery, this treatment addresses certain jaw-alignment and bite problems. In selected patients, jaw surgery may also be considered as part of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Conditions

An injury, disease, or congenital condition can affect appearance, comfort, and oral function. Depending on their expertise and the patient’s needs, oral and maxillofacial surgeons may evaluate or treat conditions such as:

• Chronic facial pain
• Oral, head, and neck cancers
• Broken jaws
• Congenital facial differences
• Jaw tumors and cysts
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Jaw-alignment problems, including a protruding jaw
• Facial fractures

The Steps

Oral surgery may take place in an office, an outpatient surgical facility, or a hospital. The setting and anesthesia depend on the procedure, your health, and your treatment plan. Options may include local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia; not every procedure requires being asleep.

Before treatment, your surgeon will review your medical history, examine the area, and discuss imaging when needed. Follow the team’s preparation instructions. If sedation or general anesthesia is planned, arrange a responsible adult to accompany you and take you home, as directed by your care team.

The details of surgery vary. Some procedures involve incisions, removal or repair of tissue, placement of implants, or stitches; others are less extensive. Your team will explain the expected recovery, home-care instructions, and follow-up appointments rather than using the same steps for every operation.

The Benefits

Depending on the condition and treatment, oral and maxillofacial care may improve chewing, jaw function, comfort, or facial appearance. Results and recovery vary. An evaluation helps determine whether surgery, another treatment, or referral to a different specialist is the most appropriate next step.

SicatHSU Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery aims to help patients achieve better oral health and quality of life. Visit our facility in Bonsall, California, for a consultation. Please call us at (760) 334-4400 to schedule an appointment.