Face and Jaw Surgery

Overview

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specialists who diagnose and treat injuries, diseases and defects that afflict the mouth, teeth, jaws and face. They also evaluate sensory disturbances of the mouth and face and treat TMJ disorders, which cause headaches, earaches, and pain in the jaw area for many people. Working with restorative dentists, they provide patients with dental implants to replace natural teeth. Patients may also visit an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to undergo cosmetic surgery that can restore harmony between facial appearance and function, or to undergo orthognathic surgery to correct malposition of the bones of the jaw.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons can perform many procedures in their offices, as well as in hospitals. They receive extensive training in providing local anesthesia and general anesthesia in order to provide maximum comfort and safety to their patients.

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Last Reviewed: Aug 23, 2005

Guillermo E. Chacon, DDS
Associate Professor, Residency Program Director
Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
College of Dentistry
The Ohio State University