What does a maxillofacial surgeon do? Jaw, mouth and face surgery explained

Key facts

• Specialists in surgery of the mouth, teeth, jaws and face
• Wisdom teeth, surgical extractions, grafting, implants and biopsies
• Also jaw fractures, salivary glands, TMJ and corrective jaw surgery
• Referral is common for complex extractions, lumps, cysts and trauma
• Dr. Moataz Al-Khan is Manhal's Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

The specialty explained

Oral and maxillofacial surgery, sometimes called OMFS or orofacial surgery, bridges dentistry and medicine. Specialists usually train first in dentistry and then complete several years of surgical training focused on the mouth, jaws, face and neck; in some countries they also hold a medical degree. The word maxillofacial refers to the upper jaw (maxilla) and face. Because of this background, a maxillofacial surgeon understands how teeth, bite, bone, nerves, sinuses and facial structures work together, which is important when planning surgery that affects chewing, speech and appearance. In the UAE, specialists are licensed by the health authority under their specialty title.

Common procedures

Day-to-day work often includes removal of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth, surgical extraction of broken or deeply rooted teeth, exposure of impacted canines for orthodontic treatment, bone grafting and sinus lift procedures before implants, implant placement in complex cases, and removal of cysts or benign lesions from the jaws. Biopsies of lumps, ulcers or white and red patches in the mouth help diagnose oral disease. Frenectomies release tight tongue or lip ties. Many of these procedures are carried out in a clinic under local anaesthesia, while larger operations take place in hospital.

Jaws, face and TMJ

Beyond the mouth, maxillofacial surgeons manage jaw fractures and facial injuries, infections spreading in the face and neck, salivary gland problems such as stones, and disorders of the jaw joint (TMJ) that cause pain, clicking or locking. They also assess and perform corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) for patients whose jaws are significantly misaligned, usually planned together with an orthodontist. Some surgeons subspecialise in head and neck cancer, cleft lip and palate, or facial reconstruction. A maxillofacial dentist or surgeon will also refer to other medical specialists when a problem falls outside the mouth and jaws.

When to see a maxillofacial surgeon instead of a dentist

Your general dentist manages most routine care, including check-ups, fillings, simple extractions and gum treatment. A referral to a maxillofacial surgeon is common for impacted wisdom teeth, extractions likely to be difficult, teeth close to nerves or the sinus, bone loss before implants, jaw swellings or cysts, persistent ulcers or lumps that need a biopsy, facial trauma, salivary gland swelling, and jaw joint problems not settling with simple measures. You can also book directly at many clinics. Being seen by the right specialist early reduces complications and helps you get a clear plan.

Oral surgery at Manhal

At Manhal, Dr. Moataz Al-Khan provides oral surgery under local anaesthesia, including wisdom tooth removal, surgical extractions, bone grafting, sinus lifts, implant surgery, biopsies, cyst removal and frenectomy, and assesses patients for jaw surgery together with orthodontics. CBCT 3D imaging is used to plan procedures near nerves and sinuses. General anaesthesia is not offered at the clinic; when hospital-based surgery is required, he explains this and coordinates referral. Dr. Al-Khan also lectures in oral surgery, and works closely with the clinic's implant, orthodontic and general dental team for joined-up care.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery treats conditions of the mouth and jaws that go beyond routine dentistry: impacted teeth, cysts and benign lesions, jaw injuries, and preparation of bone for implants.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Moataz Al-Khan

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.