Overview

Maxillofacial dentistry is a branch of dentistry that deals with surgical procedures of the neck and head. This includes your mouth and teeth. Maxillofacial dentists are trained to restore balance in your appearance—both in an aesthetic and functional way.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dentists specializing in surgery of the mouth, face and jaws, and have extensive education and training in surgical procedures involving both the soft tissue (skin and muscle) and hard tissue (bone and cartilage) of the head and neck.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons typically complete eight years of post-graduate education—four years of dental education, followed by four or more years as a surgical resident in training. During this time, residents typically gain experience in such fields as otolaryngology (head and neck surgery), plastic surgery, internal medicine, general surgery, anesthesiology, and emergency medicine.

What is maxillofacial prosthodontics?

Maxillofacial prosthodontics is a subspecialty of dentistry. It deals with the rehabilitation of patients with acquired and congenital defects of the head and neck region. The defects can either be the result of an injury or acquired as birth.

What is maxillofacial cosmetic dentistry?

Maxillofacial cosmetic dentistry attempts to correct, through surgery, abnormalities or disfigurement. These can occur because of a wide variety of problems, such as defects at birth, an injury or burn, a disease, or aging.

Maxillofacial cosmetic surgery can often be performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or local anesthesia.

Online resource links

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics