What Does an Oral Surgeon Do? (Beyond Wisdom Teeth)

Most people only think of an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMS) when it's time to get their wisdom teeth out. While that is a common procedure, their expertise goes far beyond pulling teeth.

Oral surgeons undergo 4-6 years of hospital-based surgical residency after dental school. They are trained to treat complex issues involving the hard and soft tissues of the face, mouth, and jaws.

Oral surgeons are the premier specialists for placing dental implants. They are experts in managing complex cases, such as when a patient has insufficient bone. They perform bone grafts, sinus lifts, and nerve repositioning to build a solid foundation for new teeth.

If your jaws don't align correctly, it can cause difficulty chewing, speaking, and sleeping (sleep apnea). Orthodontists can straighten teeth, but oral surgeons act as the engineers who realign the actual jawbones. They surgically reposition the upper or lower jaw to correct severe bite issues and facial imbalances.

Oral surgeons are often on-call at hospital emergency rooms. They treat facial injuries, including fractured jaws, broken cheekbones, and knocked-out teeth caused by sports injuries or accidents. Their goal is to restore both function and appearance.

If your dentist notices a suspicious lump, lesion, or cyst in your mouth or jaw, they will refer you to an oral surgeon. The surgeon will perform a biopsy to diagnose the issue and, if necessary, surgically remove cysts or tumors.