Oral and maxillofacial surgery

Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat a range of conditions affecting the mouth, jaws and face, from impacted wisdom teeth and facial injuries to more complex conditions. Treatment may include corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery, treatment of salivary gland diseases, biopsies and removal of tumours, and treatment for cleft lip and palate.

Our dental and surgical teams work together to assess each patient and recommend appropriate treatment. The procedures available vary by Mediclinic facility, and some treatments may require referral to another specialist centre.

What is oral and maxillofacial surgery?

Oral and maxillofacial surgery treats conditions of the mouth, jaws, and face that require surgical care. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons manage problems such as impacted wisdom teeth, facial fractures, and cysts of the jaw. They diagnose the problem, perform surgery where needed, and support your recovery afterwards. Routine fillings and check-ups remain with your dentist, while cosmetic facial surgery and most ear, nose and throat conditions are managed by other specialists.

When should you see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?

Book an appointment if you notice:

• Pain or swelling around a wisdom tooth
• Jaw pain, clicking or a jaw that locks
• Difficulty opening your mouth fully
• A mouth ulcer, lump or patch that lasts more than three weeks
• A facial injury that affects your bite or leaves numbness
• Painful swelling under your jaw when you eat

Facial or mouth swelling that spreads quickly and makes it hard to breathe, speak or swallow is an emergency: seek emergency care straight away.

You don't always need symptoms to be referred here. Often a dentist or doctor spots a problem during a check-up or on an X-ray, such as a cyst or a buried tooth, and refers you on. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is usually reached this way, through a referral from a dentist or GP rather than a direct booking.

What to expect

At your first appointment, the surgeon asks about your symptoms and dental history, then examines your mouth, jaws, and face. Most people have an X-ray, so the teeth, roots and bone show clearly, and a 3D dental scan is sometimes added for a fuller picture. If there's a lump or ulcer, a small sample may be taken to check what it is. You'll then hear what was found and what it means for you.

Treatment depends on what's found. Many problems are solved with a single procedure, such as removing a wisdom tooth or a stone from a salivary gland, often under local or general anaesthetic. Others, like jaw surgery or repairing a facial fracture, are planned operations under general anaesthetic with a recovery period afterwards. The surgeon will talk you through the options, agree the next step with you and explain what to expect during recovery.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery at Mediclinic

We provide oral and maxillofacial surgery through selected Mediclinic facilities. Our surgeons assess and treat conditions affecting the mouth, jaws and face, with services varying by location. Some facilities provide minor oral surgery, while more complex procedures are available at selected hospitals. Your dentist or specialist will advise you on the appropriate treatment and where it is available.