Maxillofacial surgery is a dental specialty that focuses on diagnosing and surgically/ adjunctively treating diseases, defects, and injuries of the mouth, face, jaw, and teeth. A general dentist, pediatric dentist, orthodontist, or medical physician can only refer a patient for maxillofacial surgery, not perform one themselves. This type of surgery can include, removing teeth, placing dental implants, treating facial trauma, cosmetic surgery, dealing with facial pain, and more.

There are many benefits to having maxillofacial surgery, restored function, better health, and cosmetic improvements are all good reasons to consider it. Surgery that can repair or restore functions can help patients speak, eat and smile normally and can also save a patient’s life in the case of tumor removal, or cleft palate repair.

Of course, all surgeries come with certain risks including, bleeding and infections, some temporary pain and discomfort, and not all surgeries are a success the first time around. Additionally, if the patient does not have dental insurance, the costs can be great, potentially thousands of dollars depending on the surgery.

Patients who need or are recommended for any maxillofacial surgery should weigh their options with or without a doctor and decide if surgery is right for them.

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