What Is Maxillofacial Surgery? Common Operations & When to See an Oral Surgeon

What Is Maxillofacial Surgery and Who Needs It?

Maxillofacial surgery is a type of specialized oral surgery that focuses on the mouth, jaw, face, and neck. It’s performed by trained professionals known as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, who are experts in both dental and medical procedures. They handle everything from impacted wisdom teeth to complex jaw realignment surgeries.

If you’re dealing with any of the following, maxillofacial surgery might be in your future:

• Ongoing jaw pain or clicking

• Facial trauma or broken bones

• Missing teeth that need implants

• Cysts, tumors, or infections in the jaw or gums

• Trouble chewing, speaking, or breathing due to jaw alignment

At Ridgetop Dental Implants, we offer a full range of oral and maxillofacial procedures in a modern, comfortable clinic setting—so whether you need a routine extraction or a more involved mouth operation, we’ve got you covered.

Table of Contents

1. Maxillofacial Surgery vs. General Dental Procedures: What’s the Difference?

2. Common Types of Mouth Surgery (With Explanations)

• Wisdom Tooth Removal

• Dental Implants

• Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)

• Facial Trauma & Injury Repair

• Biopsies & Oral Pathology

• Cyst or Tumor Removal

3. What to Expect Before, During, and After Mouth Surgery

• Before Your Surgery: Planning & Preparation

• During the Procedure: You’ll Be in Good Hands

• After Surgery: Recovery & Aftercare

4. Signs You May Need to See an Oral Surgeon

5. How Much Does Maxillofacial Surgery Cost?

• Typical Cost Ranges

• What Affects the Cost?

• Will Insurance Help Cover It?

• Financing Options Available

6. Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Expert Oral Surgery Care?

Maxillofacial Surgery vs. General Dental Procedures: What’s the Difference?

👩‍⚕️ General Dentist

• Focuses on everyday dental care

• Great for cleanings, fillings, crowns, and minor extractions

• May refer you out for more advanced procedures

🦷 Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

• Specializes in complex surgeries involving the jaw, face, and mouth

• Handles procedures under IV sedation or general anesthesia

• Performs surgeries like wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, jaw realignment, and more

Oral surgeons undergo years of additional surgical and hospital-based training after dental school. They’re experts in both the structure and function of your facial bones and tissues, which is especially important when surgery involves nerves, sinuses, or bone structure.

Common Types of Mouth Surgery (With Explanations)

Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of oral and maxillofacial surgery—and what each one actually involves.

🦷 Wisdom Tooth Removal

This is one of the most well-known oral surgeries, and for good reason. Wisdom teeth often become impacted, which means they don’t erupt properly and can cause pain, crowding, or infection. Surgical removal—especially of impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth—is typically performed by an oral surgeon under sedation.

🛠️ Dental Implants

Missing a tooth? A dental implant is a permanent replacement that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. An oral surgeon places a small titanium post into your jawbone, which acts as a new tooth root. Later, a crown is attached to complete the smile. Implants can also be used for bridges or full-arch restorations.

😬 Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)

If your upper and lower jaws don’t line up properly, it can affect your bite, speech, and appearance. Jaw surgery corrects these alignment issues—whether due to genetics, injury, or developmental concerns. This procedure is often recommended for patients with severe underbites, overbites, or TMJ dysfunction.

😷 Facial Trauma & Injury Repair

Broken jaw? Knocked-out teeth? Facial fractures? Oral surgeons are trained to repair facial trauma, restore bone structure, and reconstruct soft tissues to bring both function and appearance back to normal after an accident.

🔬 Biopsies & Oral Pathology

If there’s an unusual lump, sore, or patch in your mouth, your dentist or doctor may recommend a biopsy to rule out oral cancer or other conditions. Oral surgeons can safely remove and examine the tissue, helping catch potential problems early.

🧪 Cyst or Tumor Removal

Benign cysts or tumors in the mouth or jawbone can be removed surgically to prevent further growth or damage. These are often detected on X-rays and may not cause symptoms at first, which is why regular dental checkups are so important.

Each of these procedures can sound intimidating on paper—but with the right team, the right plan, and modern surgical techniques, they’re often straightforward, effective, and life-changing.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Mouth Surgery

🗓️ Before Your Surgery: Planning & Preparation

Your journey starts with a consultation at our clinic. We’ll take digital X-rays or 3D scans to get a clear view of your jaw, teeth, and bone structure. You’ll meet with your oral surgeon to talk about your treatment goals, medical history, and any concerns.

Signs You May Need to See an Oral Surgeon

Sometimes, it’s obvious you need oral surgery—like when you’re dealing with a broken jaw or a painfully impacted wisdom tooth. But other times, the signs can be a little more subtle.

😣 Chronic Jaw Pain or Clicking

If your jaw pops, clicks, or locks when you open or close your mouth—or if you’re dealing with frequent jaw pain or stiffness—it could be a sign of TMJ dysfunction or jaw misalignment.

🦷 Impacted or Failing Teeth

Teeth that are trapped beneath the gums or growing in at an angle (like wisdom teeth) may need to be surgically removed.

😬 Difficulty Chewing, Speaking, or Swallowing

Persistent problems with your bite or speech may be caused by jaw imbalance, missing teeth, or other structural concerns.

🩹 Facial Injury or Trauma

After a fall, accident, or sports injury, facial bones can break just like any others.

🧬 Lumps, Sores, or Unusual Changes in Your Mouth

If you notice a sore that won’t heal, a lump on your gums or jaw, or any unusual change in your mouth or face, don’t wait.

🪥 Your Dentist Recommends Surgical Treatment

Your general dentist is often the first to spot an issue that requires surgical care. If they’ve referred you to an oral surgeon, trust that it’s for a good reason—and that early intervention often leads to better results and simpler procedures.

How Much Does Maxillofacial Surgery Cost?

💵 Typical Cost Ranges

Here are some average price ranges to give you a general idea (note: your actual cost may vary based on your case):

• Wisdom tooth extraction: $300 – $800 per tooth

• Dental implants: $3,500 – $6,500 per tooth

• Jaw surgery (orthognathic): $10,000 – $25,000+

• Biopsy or cyst removal: $500 – $2,000

• Facial trauma repair: varies based on complexity and insurance

These numbers include things like imaging, anesthesia, and post-op care, but we’ll provide an exact quote after your consultation.

🧾 Will Insurance Help Cover It?

In many cases, yes! Medical or dental insurance may cover part (or all) of your oral surgery—especially if it’s considered medically necessary, like removing impacted teeth, repairing trauma, or treating an infection.

We know navigating insurance can be confusing, so our team will:

• Review your plan and explain your benefits

• Handle pre-authorizations

• Help you maximize your coverage

• Offer flexible financing if needed

💳 Financing Options Available

We work with trusted third-party financing partners to offer affordable monthly payments. That way, you can get the care you need—without putting your health on hold.

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Expert Oral Surgery Care?

Maxillofacial surgery may sound intimidating, but with the right team, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re dealing with jaw pain, impacted teeth, facial trauma, or missing teeth that need expert restoration, you don’t have to face it alone.

At Ridgetop Dental Implants, we combine advanced training, modern technology, and compassionate care to deliver safe, effective surgical solutions tailored to your needs. From your first consultation to your final follow-up, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—with clear communication, gentle techniques, and real results.

If you’ve been told you need oral surgery—or you suspect something more serious might be going on—don’t wait. Getting answers now could help you avoid bigger issues down the road.

📞 Call us today at (703) 444-9201

💻 Or request a consultation online: Schedule Now »

Contact Information:

Ridgetop Dental Implants

21631 Ridgetop Cir Suite 240
Sterling, VA 20166
United States

Devika Rampure
https://ridgetopdentalimplants.com