Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) is a recognized surgical specialty that addresses conditions of the mouth, jaw, face, and neck requiring surgical expertise. It is the specialty that bridges dentistry and medicine — and for many patients, it provides treatments that no other specialty can offer.
The Scope of OMS
The field encompasses a broad range of conditions: impacted wisdom teeth and other tooth extractions; dental implants and bone grafting; corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) for bite problems and facial imbalance; facial trauma including jaw fractures, orbital fractures, and lacerations; oral pathology including cysts, tumors, and biopsy of suspicious lesions; salivary gland disorders; temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery; cleft lip and palate surgery; and obstructive sleep apnea treatment.
Training and Expertise
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete dental school followed by a minimum of 4 years of hospital-based surgical residency. Many complete additional fellowship training in specific subspecialties. This training includes head and neck surgery, anesthesiology, and emergency medicine. OMS surgeons are the only dental specialists trained to administer all levels of anesthesia, from local anesthesia to general anesthesia, in both office and hospital settings.
When to See an Oral Surgeon
Your general dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon when a procedure requires the level of surgical expertise, anesthesia capability, or specialized equipment that goes beyond the scope of general dentistry. Common referrals include complex extractions, implant placement, evaluation of oral lesions, jaw surgery, and facial injuries.
If you've been referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, you're in the hands of a specialist with extensive medical and surgical training dedicated to the most complex needs of the head, neck, and jaw.