Short Description
A dental specialist who performs surgery on the mouth, jaw, face, and skull, including extractions and complex procedures.
Long Description
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a highly trained specialist who treats complex conditions of the mouth, jaw, face, and skull. They perform surgeries ranging from tooth extractions to corrective jaw surgery and facial trauma repair.
They complete four years of dental school plus an additional four to six years of surgical training, often working in hospital settings. Some are also qualified to administer general anesthesia or IV sedation, making them key for complex or high-anxiety procedures.
Patients may be referred to an oral surgeon for impacted wisdom teeth, jaw misalignment, oral pathology, or dental implants. These specialists combine surgical skill with dental expertise to manage both functional and cosmetic needs.