Oral and maxillofacial surgery is one of the dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association. These specialists are surgically trained in a hospital-based residency program for a minimum of four years after graduating from dental school.
They train alongside medical residents in internal medicine, general surgery, and anesthesiology, and spend time in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), plastic surgery, emergency medicine, and other specialty areas.
Oral and facial surgeons have the knowledge and expertise that uniquely qualifies them to diagnose and treat a number of functional and aesthetic conditions of the bone, skin, and muscle of the face, mouth, and jaw. This includes but is not limited to:
- Dental implant surgery
- Wisdom teeth removal
- Extractions
- Endodontic surgery
- Facial aesthetic surgery
- Facial trauma
- Cleft lip/palate
- TMJ/TMD and facial pain
- Oral cancer
In addition, oral surgeons are trained in all facets of anesthesia and sedation methods, including local anesthesia, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. They have received training in airway management, endotracheal intubation, establishing and maintaining intravenous lines, and managing complications and emergencies that may arise during the administration of anesthesia.
