What is oral & maxillofacial surgery?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery covers conditions of the mouth, teeth, jaws, face and related structures of the head and neck. Minor procedures are usually performed under local anaesthesia, while major procedures may need general anaesthesia and a hospital stay.
Common symptoms
- Impacted or painful wisdom teeth
- Persistent mouth ulcers, patches or lumps needing biopsy
- Jaw or facial swelling, cysts or infections
- Injuries to the jaws, face or teeth
- Bite, jaw joint or jaw alignment problems
When to seek an assessment
Arrange an assessment for persistent pain, swelling, lumps, ulcers or injuries of the mouth, jaws or face. Spreading facial swelling with fever or difficulty swallowing or breathing is an emergency.
The role of an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is a specialty bridging dentistry and medicine. The surgeon diagnoses and treats conditions of the face and jaws, and works with other specialists where care needs to be shared.
Diagnosis and assessment
Every plan begins with a careful consultation and clinical examination. Depending on the findings, imaging (such as an OPG X-ray, CBCT, ultrasound, CT or MRI), blood tests, or a biopsy with histopathology may be needed before a diagnosis is confirmed. Treatment is only recommended once the nature of the problem is understood.
Treatment options
The options below are a general overview. The right approach for you depends on your examination, imaging and any biopsy or pathology findings.
Minor oral surgery
Surgical extractions, impacted wisdom teeth, biopsies, frenectomy, small cysts and pre-implant surgery.
Infection management
Drainage of dental and facial abscesses and treatment of the underlying cause.
Major maxillofacial surgery
Facial fracture fixation, jaw cyst and tumour surgery, TMJ and corrective jaw surgery, and salivary gland surgery.
Coordinated care
Referral to or joint care with oncology, ENT, plastic surgery and other teams where required.
Recovery and aftercare
- Written aftercare instructions specific to your procedure
- Pain relief, soft diet and oral hygiene advice
- Review appointments to check healing and discuss results
You will receive specific aftercare instructions for your procedure.
Referral and multidisciplinary care
Some conditions are best managed by, or together with, other specialists or a multidisciplinary team. Where this applies, Dr Agha will explain why and help arrange the appropriate referral.
This page provides general information and is not a substitute for a personal consultation. Outcomes vary between individuals.