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Oral Surgeon (Maxillofacial Surgeon)

Oral surgeons (also called maxillofacial surgeons) are dentists who specialize in surgery of the mouth and jaw.

Oral surgeons treat and reconstruct areas of the face, head, or neck after an injury or surgery. They prepare the jaw for denture construction, treat temporomandibular (TM) joint problems, perform cosmetic surgery, and treat birth defects (such as cleft lip and palate) or growth disturbances of the jaw.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have graduated from an accredited dental school and completed a residency program approved by the American Dental Association Commission in Dental Accreditation. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons may be board-certified through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Last Revised: August 20, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine

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