What is Maxillofacial Surgery?

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) is a specialty of dentistry that includes the diagnosis and the surgical and adjunctive treatment of disorders, diseases, injuries and defects that involve the functional and aesthetic aspects of hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions and structures.

How are maxillofacial surgeons trained?

Following dental school, oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete 5 years of intensive training in a hospital-based surgical residency program. At the end of this program, they are well prepared to:

  • Manage diseases of the teeth and their supporting soft and hard tissues

  • Surgically reconstruct inadequate bone structure of the jaw

  • Surgically place dental implants to replace missing teeth

  • Treat head trauma and injuries to the face, jaw, mouth and teeth

  • Perform corrective jaw surgery to improve the function and appearance of patients with misaligned jaws

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