An oral surgeon, also called an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, is a highly specialized dental surgeon trained to diagnose and treat disorders, injuries, and emergencies involving the oral cavity, jaw, face, head, and neck. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is one of the nine dental specialties currently recognized by the American Dental Association and the American College of Surgeons, and many practices, such as Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, also emphasize board-certified surgeons and American Board credentials.
If you are looking for specialized surgical care beyond what a general dentist handles—such as wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, jaw surgery, facial trauma treatment, or evaluation for conditions like sleep apnea, tumors, cysts, or oral cancer—understanding what an oral surgeon does can help you choose the right care. This overview explains the conditions and procedures oral surgeons handle, the scope of their training and qualifications, and why their expertise matters for oral health, jaw function, and overall wellness.
What Kinds of Situations Do Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Treat in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?
If you had your wisdom teeth removed, chances are they were removed by an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon. In fact, wisdom teeth removal is one of the common procedures these surgeons perform. These surgeons treat a wide variety of oral issues, as well as injuries and diseases in and around your jaw.
They aren’t the kind of specialist you’ll call in if you have a chipped tooth. But if you lose a tooth and need a replacement, you might find yourself talking to an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon. They may recommend dental implants or dental implant placement for replacing missing teeth after missing teeth affect the jawbone. They also handle more extensive oral and jaw repairs and reconstructions after accidents.
In some cases, bone grafting may be needed before implant work when there is not enough bone support, and understanding the difference between what a general dentist can do and what an oral surgeon can provide helps you know who will manage this part of your care.
You might also need an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon if you need jaw surgery, including corrective jaw surgery as a form of surgical treatment. They also handle more extensive care after accidents, including facial trauma, facial injuries, reconstructive surgery, and recovery. They also treat tumors and cysts that develop on or near your jaw, and they may evaluate oral pathology as part of that care and can earn additional specializations to treat complex issues like cleft palates.
Some Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons can also perform a variety of cosmetic procedures, including cosmetic implants.
Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons can also be called on to consult with other doctors for some issues. If you have sleep apnea, you might go to an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon so that they can work with your doctor as a consultant and discuss oral and facial surgical options for obstructive sleep apnea. They might also get called in to help correct and treat obstructive sleep apnea and other conditions that involve your mouth and jaw.
This type of surgeon can also be critical in the treatment of certain types of oral cancers.
How are Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Trained:
Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons need to complete dental school and earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine degree before they can move on to their specialization. That means that they have the same skills and expertise as your dentist, plus additional training and specialization. Their residency includes advanced training in anesthesia (important facts about anesthesia in oral surgery), oral pathology, and complex surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaw, and face. Board certification through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery reflects rigorous standards. It also means that your Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons can also notice and diagnose a variety of mouth and tooth issues, just like your dentist.
Depending on why you’re seeing an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon, they make recommendations for your oral health and future care, working with you, your dentist, doctor, or other healthcare provider to create a personalized treatment plan.
An oral surgery team will also evaluate patients’ needs, and patients should also consider the surgeon’s experience with specific procedures such as dental implants. They may recommend a consultation before treatment. Check reviews to gauge bedside manner and post-operative care. Cost transparency is also important when selecting an oral surgeon. Confirm hospital affiliations so the surgeon can manage emergencies if needed. Modern diagnostic and surgical equipment can improve precision in procedures such as dental implants. A clean, well-organized facility is a useful sign of overall practice quality.
After dental school, Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons complete an additional four- to six-year surgical residency that combines dental and medical experience, and they must also pass required licensure exams to practice, which is one of the key distinctions when you compare an oral surgeon and a dentist. This training prepares them to perform oral surgery and related procedures safely. Beyond that, Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons can also spend another 1-2 years earning additional specialties.
Their specialties include:
- Cosmetic facial surgery
- Craniofacial surgery and pediatric maxillofacial surgery
- Treating craniofacial traumas
The result is that these are some of the most highly specialized and skilled surgeons out there, and their work plays a significant part in overall health and wellness. Other than anesthesiologists, they are the only specialists able to use all forms of sedation, with sedation options that can include nitrous oxide and IV sedation as part of their approach to patient care, using different types of anesthesia used in oral surgery depending on your needs. Monitoring and emergency protocols are essential whenever anesthesia is used during oral surgery. They have a strong understanding of your face and jaw, as well as the inner workings of your mouth and teeth.
Most people feel more comfortable once the procedure and sedation are explained, which can be an important step in overcoming fear of oral surgery.
If you ever find yourself in the care of an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon, rest assured that you’re in good hands. Their extensive training and specialization makes them some of the most qualified people out there to help you diagnose and treat issues starting with your mouth and jaw. Recovery times vary based on the procedure. Sutures often dissolve within 3 to 10 days after surgery. Jaw sockets may take about six weeks to close after surgery. Some people may also experience numbness in the mouth after surgery and should monitor symptoms such as pain. If surgical treatment is recommended, contact the practice to schedule a consultation.
Your mouth and jaw are important for your whole body’s health, so these treatments are about a lot more than just having good teeth for a family picture. Following tips to keep your jaw healthy as you age and addressing problems like wisdom teeth removal in St. George, UT when needed can support your long-term well-being. Taking care of your mouth and jaw can have a huge effect on your overall health.