Smile Solutions - Melbourne's Home of Dentistry: Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Smile Solutions Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

At Smile Solutions, Melbourne's home for comprehensive dental and oral health care, you'll find an experienced team ready to guide you through every stage of your oral health journey, including access to oral and maxillofacial surgery services. Whether you're dealing with a complex tooth extraction, a jaw concern, or the aftermath of facial trauma, understanding what oral and maxillofacial surgery involves can help you feel informed and confident in your treatment options.

What is oral and maxillofacial surgery?

Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) is a surgical discipline focused on diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries, and defects affecting the mouth, jaws, face, and neck. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dental specialists who have completed additional years of hospital-based surgical and medical training beyond their dental degree, equipping them to manage a wide range of complex conditions with clinical precision.

The scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery is genuinely broad. It covers everything from removing impacted wisdom teeth and placing dental implants, to corrective jaw surgery, facial trauma treatment, oral pathology management, and reconstruction of facial structures following disease or injury. Because this specialty sits at the intersection of dentistry and medicine, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are well-placed to address conditions affecting both the functional and aesthetic dimensions of your face and oral cavity, with treatment that considers your whole wellbeing rather than a single concern.

Conditions treated by oral and maxillofacial surgeons

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat a diverse range of conditions. Knowing what falls within their scope can help you recognise when a referral to this type of specialist makes sense for you.

Impacted wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to emerge, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. In many cases, there simply isn't enough space in your jaw for these teeth to come through properly, causing them to become impacted, meaning they remain trapped beneath the gum line or only partially erupt.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, and the development of cysts or tumours. Surgical removal is one of the most commonly performed oral and maxillofacial procedures. The complexity of your extraction depends on the position and depth of the tooth, and in some cases general anaesthesia is recommended to keep you comfortable throughout.

Dental implants

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. They provide a stable, long-lasting foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures, and are widely considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth because of their durability, natural appearance, and ability to preserve jawbone density over time.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons assess your bone volume and density, perform any necessary bone grafting, and place the implant fixtures with precision. Where significant bone loss has occurred, techniques such as guided bone regeneration or sinus lifts may be needed before implant placement, all part of a treatment plan tailored to your anatomy.

Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery)

Corrective jaw surgery, known clinically as orthognathic surgery, addresses skeletal irregularities of the jaw that affect your ability to chew, speak, or breathe properly. These irregularities can also affect the balance and symmetry of your face in ways that impact your confidence and quality of life.

Orthognathic surgery is typically carried out alongside orthodontic treatment. Before surgery, braces or aligners align your teeth within each jaw. Your surgeon then repositions one or both jaws to achieve the correct skeletal relationship. Orthodontic treatment continues after surgery until your bite is fully refined. The result is improved function and a more balanced facial appearance.

Common reasons for orthognathic surgery referral include a severe underbite, overbite, or open bite; facial asymmetry; obstructive sleep apnoea related to jaw position; and persistent difficulty chewing or biting food.

Facial trauma

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons manage facial injuries with both skill and sensitivity, including fractures of the facial bones such as the jaw, cheekbones, eye sockets, and nasal bones, as well as soft tissue lacerations and dental injuries. These injuries may result from motor vehicle accidents, sporting incidents, falls, or interpersonal violence.

Treating facial trauma requires a thorough understanding of both the functional and aesthetic requirements of the face. Your surgical team works to restore normal anatomy, preserve function, and minimise scarring. In more complex cases, this may involve titanium plates and screws to stabilise fractured bones, alongside careful soft tissue repair.

Oral pathology

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons diagnose and treat diseases of the oral and maxillofacial region, including benign and malignant tumours, cysts, and other pathological conditions. Biopsy of suspicious lesions is central to their practice, enabling early detection of oral cancer and other serious conditions where timely intervention makes a meaningful difference to outcomes.

Regular oral cancer screening is an important part of your dental care. If you notice persistent ulcers, lumps, red or white patches, or unexplained numbness in your mouth or face, seek prompt evaluation. Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes for oral cancer, and our team is here to help you through that process.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

The temporomandibular joint connects your lower jaw to your skull and is responsible for the movements involved in chewing, speaking, and yawning. Disorders of this joint, referred to as TMJ disorders or temporomandibular disorders (TMD), can cause jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, limited jaw movement, and headaches that affect daily life.

Many TMJ disorders respond well to conservative management such as physiotherapy, splint therapy, and medication, but some cases do require surgery. Options range from minimally invasive arthroscopy to open joint surgery, depending on the nature and severity of your condition.

Cleft lip and palate

Cleft lip and palate are amongst the most common congenital craniofacial anomalies, occurring when the tissues of the lip or palate don't fuse properly during foetal development. These conditions can affect feeding, speech, hearing, and dental development, and typically require a series of surgical interventions throughout childhood and adolescence.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons work as part of a multidisciplinary cleft team, collaborating with paediatric dentists, orthodontists, speech therapists, and other specialists to provide coordinated care throughout your child's development.

Obstructive sleep apnoea

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, causing repeated interruptions to breathing. It's associated with significant health risks, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and impaired cognitive function, and can have a serious impact on quality of life.

Where OSA is related to jaw and airway anatomy, surgery may be part of the care pathway. Options include maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery, which moves both jaws forward to enlarge the airway, as well as other procedures targeting specific anatomical contributors to airway obstruction. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons work alongside sleep physicians and other specialists to determine the most appropriate treatment pathway for your situation.

The surgical team and setting

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is performed in different settings depending on the complexity of the procedure and your individual needs. Minor procedures may be carried out in a specialist rooms setting under local anaesthesia, while more complex operations are performed in a hospital under general anaesthesia. Patient safety and comfort are always the priority.

The surgical team typically includes the oral and maxillofacial surgeon, an anaesthetist, theatre nurses, and other support staff. All procedures follow established clinical protocols and the highest standards of care.

Anaesthesia options

One of the distinguishing features of oral and maxillofacial surgery is the range of anaesthesia options available. Depending on the procedure and your medical history and preferences, your choices may include:

• Local anaesthesia: The surgical site is numbed using an injectable anaesthetic. You remain fully conscious throughout. This suits straightforward procedures with a limited surgical field.
• Intravenous (IV) sedation: Sedative medications are given through a vein, producing deep relaxation. You may have little or no memory of the procedure afterwards. This option is often used for wisdom tooth removal and implant placement.
• General anaesthesia: You are completely unconscious and unaware of the procedure. This is typically reserved for more complex or lengthy operations, or for patients who are medically compromised or particularly anxious.

A thorough pre-operative assessment is always conducted to determine the most appropriate anaesthesia option for you.

Preparing for oral and maxillofacial surgery

Preparation varies depending on the procedure, but several general principles apply across most surgical scenarios, and your team will walk you through every step.

You'll typically attend a pre-operative consultation where your surgeon reviews your medical history, conducts a clinical examination, and orders any necessary imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). This information shapes a surgical plan tailored to your anatomy and clinical needs.

You'll usually be advised to fast before procedures involving sedation or general anaesthesia, typically six hours for solid food and two hours for clear fluids, though your surgical team will give you specific instructions. Certain medications may need to be paused or adjusted before surgery, so disclose all current medications and supplements to your surgeon.

Arranging transport and post-operative care is also important, particularly for procedures under sedation or general anaesthesia, where you won't be permitted to drive or operate machinery afterwards. Having someone to support you in those early hours makes a real difference to your recovery.

Recovery and aftercare

Recovery depends on the nature and extent of the procedure. Minor procedures such as simple wisdom tooth extractions may involve only a few days of discomfort and swelling, while major corrective jaw surgery may require several weeks to months. Your surgeon will give you clear, personalised guidance so you know what to expect.

General aftercare principles include:

• Rest: Adequate rest in the immediate post-operative period supports healing and reduces the risk of complications.
• Diet modification: A soft or liquid diet is typically recommended initially, with a gradual return to normal eating as healing progresses.
• Oral hygiene: Good oral hygiene matters, though you'll usually be advised to avoid the surgical site in the early stages. Gentle rinsing with warm salt water or a prescribed antiseptic mouthwash may be recommended.
• Swelling and bruising management: Applying ice packs to your face in the first 24 to 48 hours can help reduce swelling. Elevating your head while sleeping also helps.
• Pain management: Prescribed or over-the-counter analgesics manage post-operative discomfort. Follow your surgeon's instructions carefully.
• Follow-up appointments: Attending your scheduled post-operative reviews is essential to monitor healing and address any concerns.

Contact your surgeon promptly if you experience signs of infection such as increasing pain, swelling, redness, or fever, persistent bleeding, or any other unexpected symptoms following surgery.

Risks and complications

As with all surgical procedures, oral and maxillofacial surgery carries some degree of risk. The likelihood and nature of potential complications vary depending on the specific procedure, your overall health, and other individual factors. Your surgical team will discuss these with you openly before you proceed.

Common risks include:

• Infection: Surgical sites can become infected, particularly if post-operative hygiene instructions aren't followed. Antibiotics may be prescribed as appropriate.
• Bleeding: Some bleeding is expected following surgery. Persistent or excessive bleeding should be reported to your surgical team promptly.
• Nerve injury: The facial region contains numerous important nerves, and there is a risk of temporary or, rarely, permanent altered sensation such as numbness, tingling, or hypersensitivity in the lips, chin, tongue, or cheeks following certain procedures.
• Swelling and bruising: Normal responses to surgery that typically resolve over days to weeks.
• Scarring: Incisions made inside the mouth generally heal with minimal visible scarring. External incisions are placed in inconspicuous locations where possible.
• Anaesthesia-related risks: Carefully managed by your anaesthetist through thorough pre-operative assessment.
• Delayed healing: Certain medical conditions, medications, or lifestyle factors such as smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications, something your surgeon will discuss during pre-operative planning.

Your surgical team will discuss the specific risks relevant to your procedure during the pre-operative consultation, so you can provide fully informed consent before any surgery proceeds.

The role of referral and collaboration

Oral and maxillofacial surgery rarely happens in isolation. Most patients are referred by their general dentist, orthodontist, or another medical specialist after an assessment identifies a condition requiring surgical management.

At Smile Solutions, our dental team works with a network of specialists to ensure you receive coordinated care from start to finish. When a surgical referral is indicated, we'll give you clear information about what to expect and maintain open communication with your treating surgeon throughout the process. Continuity of care matters, and you shouldn't have to navigate the system alone.

Collaboration between your referring practitioner and your oral and maxillofacial surgeon is particularly important in cases involving orthodontic treatment, implant-supported restorations, or complex conditions requiring input from multiple disciplines. A well-coordinated team approach leads to better clinical outcomes and a more reassuring experience for you as a patient.

Advances in oral and maxillofacial surgery

The field continues to evolve, with ongoing advances in technology, materials, and surgical techniques delivering better outcomes for patients. Here are some of the most significant developments shaping the specialty today.

Digital planning and 3D imaging

Cone beam CT (CBCT) provides detailed views of the bony and soft tissue anatomy of your face and jaws, enabling more precise surgical planning than was previously possible. Computer-assisted surgical planning software allows surgeons to simulate procedures virtually before operating, improving accuracy and predictability.

Virtual surgical planning (VSP)

For complex orthognathic and reconstructive procedures, virtual surgical planning allows the surgical team to plan your procedure in three dimensions using digital models. Custom surgical guides and cutting jigs can be fabricated from the virtual plan, translating planned movements into the operating theatre with exceptional precision.

Minimally invasive techniques

Advances in instrumentation and surgical technique have enabled minimally invasive approaches for many procedures, including arthroscopic TMJ surgery and flapless implant placement. These approaches reduce tissue disruption, post-operative discomfort, and recovery time.

Regenerative techniques

Growth factors, bone substitutes, and tissue engineering approaches have expanded the possibilities for bone and soft tissue regeneration. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and other autologous preparations are increasingly used to support healing and tissue regeneration following surgery.

Custom implants and prostheses

Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology makes it possible to fabricate custom implants and prostheses tailored to your individual anatomy. These are used in complex reconstructive cases to achieve optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Frequently asked questions about oral and maxillofacial surgery

How do I know if I need oral and maxillofacial surgery?

Your general dentist or treating specialist will assess your condition and recommend a referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon if surgical management is indicated. Common reasons for referral include impacted wisdom teeth, missing teeth requiring implants, jaw alignment issues, suspicious oral lesions, or facial trauma. If you're unsure, book a consultation with our team to understand your options.

Will I need to go to hospital?

This depends on the procedure. Minor procedures can often be performed in a specialist rooms setting under local anaesthesia or IV sedation. More complex procedures, or those requiring general anaesthesia, are performed in a hospital or day surgery facility. Your surgeon will explain exactly what's involved in your specific situation.

How long will recovery take?

Recovery time varies considerably. Wisdom tooth removal typically involves a few days to a week, while major jaw surgery may require several weeks away from work and a longer period before full recovery. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance based on your individual case.

Is oral and maxillofacial surgery covered by health insurance?

Coverage depends on your individual health insurance policy and the specific procedure. Many procedures are eligible for a Medicare rebate, and private health insurance may contribute to hospital and anaesthesia costs for procedures performed in a hospital setting. Check with your insurer and speak with our team about expected out-of-pocket costs before proceeding.

What should I tell my surgeon before the procedure?

Disclose your full medical history, including all current medications (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements), known allergies, previous anaesthetic experiences, and any relevant family medical history. This information is essential for safe surgical and anaesthetic planning.

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At Smile Solutions, we're committed to supporting you through every stage of your oral health journey, including when specialist surgical care is what you need. Our experienced team is here to guide you, answer your questions, and ensure you have access to comprehensive dental care in Melbourne. If you have concerns about any condition that may require oral and maxillofacial surgery, book a consultation with one of our practitioners for a thorough assessment and personalised advice.