What They Do
A maxillofacial surgeon, more formally known as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, specializes in surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaw, face, and related structures. This specialty sits at the intersection of dentistry and medicine, and training pathways can vary somewhat between countries as a result.
What They Treat
Maxillofacial surgeons perform procedures such as the removal of complex or impacted teeth, correction of jaw alignment issues, treatment of facial trauma and fractures, and management of certain tumors and cysts affecting the mouth and jaw area. Some maxillofacial surgeons also perform reconstructive procedures involving the face, often working alongside other specialists such as plastic surgeons or ENT specialists for particularly complex cases.
Training Path
Becoming a maxillofacial surgeon typically requires completing a dental degree, followed by additional surgical training specifically in oral and maxillofacial surgery. In some countries, this training pathway also includes obtaining a medical degree alongside dental qualifications, reflecting the specialty's position bridging both dental and medical training.
When to See One
People are commonly referred to a maxillofacial surgeon for complex dental extractions, jaw alignment issues requiring surgical correction, facial injuries involving bone or structural damage, or growths and cysts identified within the mouth or jaw that require surgical evaluation and treatment.
Background
Oral and maxillofacial surgery developed as a distinct surgical field over the course of the 20th century, growing significantly out of the need to treat complex facial injuries, particularly those sustained during wartime, which required surgeons with detailed expertise in both dental and facial anatomy. The field has continued to expand since then to cover a broader range of conditions affecting the mouth, jaw, and face.