What Is Maxillofacial Surgery?
Depending on the patient's condition, maxillofacial surgery may be recommended for problems involving the jaw, facial bones, teeth, oral tissues, or other structures of the head and neck.
A maxillofacial surgeon has specialized training to perform surgical procedures that can improve a patient's oral health, facial function, and, in some cases, appearance.
What Does Maxillofacial Mean?
The word maxillofacial refers to the maxilla and the face.
The maxilla is the upper jawbone, which is an important part of the facial structure and supports the upper teeth. Maxillofacial surgery can involve the upper and lower jaws, facial bones, mouth, and surrounding tissues.
Because these structures are closely connected, problems in one area can sometimes affect other parts of the mouth or face.
What Does a Maxillofacial Surgeon Do?
A maxillofacial surgeon is a specialist who performs surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaw, face, and related structures.
Depending on their specific training and scope of practice, they may treat conditions such as:
- Impacted wisdom teeth.
- Jaw abnormalities.
- Facial fractures.
- Oral cysts and tumors.
- Dental implant-related surgical procedures.
- Severe infections involving the mouth or jaw.
- Temporomandibular joint problems.
- Congenital facial abnormalities.
- Bone loss in the jaw.
- Certain facial and oral conditions.
Not every patient who has a dental problem needs a maxillofacial surgeon. Many routine dental conditions can be treated by a general dentist.
When Might Maxillofacial Surgery Be Necessary?
There are many reasons why a dentist or doctor may recommend maxillofacial surgery.
One common reason is a condition that cannot be adequately treated with routine dental care.
For example, if a tooth is severely impacted or positioned in a way that makes normal extraction difficult, a specialist may be needed.
Surgery may also be recommended when a patient has a jaw problem, facial injury, abnormal growth, or another condition requiring specialized treatment.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
One of the procedures commonly associated with oral and maxillofacial surgery is wisdom tooth removal.
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to develop. They often emerge during the late teenage years or early adulthood.
Some people have enough room for their wisdom teeth to grow normally. Others may experience problems because the teeth become impacted or do not have enough space to erupt properly.
A maxillofacial surgeon may recommend removing wisdom teeth when they are associated with:
- Pain.
- Infection.
- Damage to neighboring teeth.
- Gum problems.
- Cysts.
- Tooth decay.
- Improper positioning.
An examination and dental X-rays can help determine whether extraction is necessary.
Maxillofacial Surgery for Jaw Problems
The upper and lower jaws play an important role in chewing, speaking, and facial structure.
Some patients have jaw development or alignment problems that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone.
In certain cases, a procedure known as orthognathic surgery may be recommended.
Orthognathic surgery is designed to correct certain problems involving the position or relationship of the jaws.
It may be considered for patients with problems such as:
- Significant bite abnormalities.
- Difficulty chewing.
- Certain speech problems related to jaw structure.
- Facial asymmetry.
- Jaw development abnormalities.
- Certain breathing-related conditions.
Orthognathic surgery is often coordinated with orthodontic treatment.
Treatment of Facial Fractures
Accidents, sports injuries, falls, and other trauma can cause fractures to the facial bones.
Depending on the location and severity of the injury, fractures may affect areas such as:
- The jaw.
- Cheekbones.
- Eye socket.
- Nose.
- Upper jaw.
- Other facial bones.
A maxillofacial surgeon can evaluate the injury and determine whether surgery is necessary to restore the position and function of the affected bones.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture.
Dental Implants and Bone Procedures
Maxillofacial surgeons may also perform surgical procedures associated with dental implants.
A dental implant requires sufficient bone support in the jaw. Some patients may have experienced significant bone loss because of tooth loss, gum disease, trauma, or other conditions.
In certain cases, additional procedures may be recommended before or during implant treatment.
These may include:
- Bone grafting.
- Sinus lift procedures.
- Ridge augmentation.
- Other procedures designed to improve bone support.
The appropriate procedure depends on the patient's anatomy and treatment plan.
Treatment of Oral Cysts and Tumors
Some growths or lesions can develop inside the mouth or jaw.
Many oral lesions are not cancerous, but they may still require evaluation and treatment.
A maxillofacial surgeon may remove a cyst, growth, or other abnormal tissue and, when appropriate, send it to a laboratory for examination.
If you notice a persistent lump, unexplained swelling, a sore that does not heal, or another unusual change in your mouth, you should have it evaluated by a dental or medical professional.
Treatment of Severe Oral Infections
Most dental infections can be treated by a dentist, especially when they are diagnosed early.
However, a severe infection can sometimes spread into surrounding tissues and require more extensive treatment.
A maxillofacial surgeon may become involved when an infection is severe, has spread beyond the tooth, or requires surgical drainage or another specialized procedure.
Symptoms such as significant facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing require prompt medical attention.
What Happens During a Maxillofacial Surgery Consultation?
Before recommending surgery, the specialist will usually review your medical and dental history and perform an examination.
Depending on the condition, diagnostic imaging may be necessary.
This can include:
- Dental X-rays.
- Panoramic X-rays.
- 3D imaging.
- CT scans.
- Other diagnostic tests.
The surgeon will then explain the diagnosis, treatment options, potential risks, and expected recovery.
If surgery is recommended, you should have an opportunity to ask questions before the procedure.
Is Maxillofacial Surgery Painful?
The amount of discomfort depends on the type of procedure.
Anesthesia is used during many surgical procedures to help prevent pain during treatment. After surgery, some patients may experience swelling, soreness, bruising, or discomfort while recovering.
Your surgeon will provide instructions for managing discomfort and caring for the surgical area.
Following postoperative instructions carefully can help support a smoother recovery.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery varies significantly depending on the procedure.
A relatively simple procedure may require only a short recovery period, while more complex jaw or facial surgery can require several weeks or longer.
Your recovery may depend on:
- The type of surgery.
- The number of areas treated.
- Your overall health.
- Whether complications occur.
- How closely you follow postoperative instructions.
Your surgeon should explain what to expect before your procedure.
What Should I Ask a Maxillofacial Surgeon?
If your dentist refers you to a maxillofacial surgeon, consider preparing questions before your appointment.
You may want to ask:
- Why do I need surgery?
- Are there alternatives to surgery?
- What will happen during the procedure?
- What type of anesthesia will be used?
- How long will recovery take?
- What restrictions will I have afterward?
- What complications should I watch for?
- How should I prepare for the procedure?
- What follow-up appointments will I need?
Understanding your treatment plan can help you feel more prepared.
When Should I See a Maxillofacial Surgeon?
You may be referred to a maxillofacial surgeon if your dentist or doctor identifies a condition that requires specialized surgical treatment.
You should also seek professional evaluation if you experience symptoms such as:
- Persistent jaw pain.
- Significant facial swelling.
- Difficulty opening your mouth.
- Difficulty chewing.
- A facial injury.
- An impacted tooth.
- Persistent swelling inside the mouth.
- An unusual growth or lump.
- A wound in the mouth that does not heal.
- Severe dental or facial infection.
These symptoms do not necessarily mean that you need surgery. A professional evaluation is necessary to determine the cause.