Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are surgical specialists who treat conditions, defects, injuries, and aesthetic aspects of the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face.

Medical Conditions

• Dental disease of any kind
• Facial trauma
• Dental trauma
• Gum disease
• Dentofacial deformities
• Head and neck tumours particularly those affecting mouth, jaws and dental structures
• Cleft lip and palate
• Congenital craniofacial deformities
• Temporomandibular joint disorder

Specialty Areas of Interest

• Facial trauma surgery
• Oral and Dentoalveolar Surgery
• Dental implant surgery
• Surgery of head and neck tumours particularly those affecting mouth, jaws and dental structures
• Cleft lip and palate surgery
• Congenital craniofacial deformities
• Reconstructive surgery
• Facial plastic surgery
• Temporomandibular joint disorders

Associated Tests

• Craniofacial CT scan
• Craniofacial MRI
• Dental X-Rays
• Facial X-Rays

Procedures

• Oral and dentoalveolar surgery (mouth, teeth and gums)
• Removal of impacted and buried teeth
• Dental implant surgery
• Bone grafting
• Facial trauma surgery
• Reconstructive surgery
• Cleft lip and palate surgery
• Congenital craniofacial deformities
• Facial plastic surgery
• Rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, facial implants
• Temporomandibular joint surgery

What to expect

History

Your maxillofacial surgeon will need background information before deciding on the best treatment for you. He or she will ask about the problem, its progress and complications. They may also ask about other medical problems, previous surgery and your current medications.

Examination

Examination will be focussed on the area of concern. Further testing with X-Rays and CT scan commonly follow so a complete assessment and management plan can be made.

Training and Qualifications

• Basic medical training
• Internship
• Residency
• Specialty Training

Links

• Find a Maxillofacial Surgeon
• The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons
• The Australian and New Zealand Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ANZAOMS)

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.