Oral surgeon (maxillofacial surgeon)

Oral surgeon (maxillofacial surgeon)

Oral surgeons (also called maxillofacial surgeons) are dentists who specialize in surgery of the mouth and jaw.

Oral surgeons treat and reconstruct areas of the face, head, or neck after an injury or surgery. They prepare the jaw for denture construction, and they treat temporomandibular (TMD) joint problems. Also, they perform cosmetic surgery and treat birth defects (such as cleft lip and palate) or growth disturbances of the jaw.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have graduated from an accredited dental school, have completed a residency program approved by the Canadian Dental Association, and are certified by the Royal College of Dentists of Canada.