What is Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery is a global term that can involve any kind of surgery to the mouth. In the field of dentistry, however, it is specific to procedures like cleft palate repair. Another procedure specific to this specialty is jaw reconstruction. Oral surgeons are also called maxillofacial (the word maxilla means jaw) surgeons. Oral surgeons confine their practice to the mouth and jaw; they do not work on the neck or brain.

Are All Dentists Oral Surgeons?

Oral surgery is a dental specialty, so an oral surgeon begins by completing a dental training program just like any other dentist. After four years of dental school, an oral surgeon must complete one to two years of residency training in that field. This dental specialty requires both medical and dental training. The next step is a four-year specialty residency specific to oral surgery. This training also includes experience in plastic surgery, emergency medicine and otolaryngology (the specialty of the ears, nose, and throat).

What Do Oral Surgeons Do?

Oral surgeons perform surgery on the structures of the face. An oral surgeon might repair damage to the mouth and teeth from an automobile accident or other trauma. Correcting congenital problems like a cleft palate is another job for an oral surgeon. Oral surgeons also extract teeth, reconstruct or repair bone in the jaw, perform corrective jaw surgery or treat obstructive sleep apnea. Oral surgeons are also trained in sedation dentistry and can perform all levels of anesthesia for dental procedures.

How Should I Choose an Oral Surgeon?

Key issues in selecting an oral surgeon are training, the length of time in practice, technical skill, certification, and a commitment to continuing education in the field. Ask about his or her experience with the procedure you are considering; like any technical skill, practice tends to improve performance. Look for certification from the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. And of course, look for compassion, good communication skills and rapport with patients.