FAQ - Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

1. What is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a highly trained specialist in the diagnosis, surgical treatment, and rehabilitation of conditions affecting the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face. They have completed advanced training beyond dental school, specialising in surgery, including procedures like wisdom tooth extractions, corrective jaw surgery, and facial trauma management.

2. What is the difference between a dentist, oral surgeon, and oral and maxillofacial surgeon?

• Dentist: A dentist provides general dental care, including routine check-ups, fillings, and teeth cleaning. Dentists are often the first point of contact and may refer patients to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for more complex conditions that require surgical intervention.

• Oral surgeons specialise in more invasive dental surgeries, such as tooth removal.

• Oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) are specialists who complete a dental degree, a medical degree, and several additional years of hospital-based surgical training. Their training includes rotations across multiple medical specialities such as general surgery, emergency medicine, anaesthesia, ear, nose and throat (ENT), and plastic and reconstructive surgery. This comprehensive training allows them to diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions affecting the face, jaw, mouth, and teeth, including wisdom tooth extractions, jaw surgery, and facial trauma management.
  You can confirm a practitioner's qualifications by searching the AHPRA register, which lists all registered health practitioners and their recognised specialties.

3. How can I tell the difference between a dentist, oral surgeon, and oral and maxillofacial surgeon?

To ensure you're seeing a qualified professional, check the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website. You can search by name or profession to verify the credentials of the individual you're considering. The AHPRA website will show if the practitioner is registered as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

For more details, visit AHPRA's website.

4. What are the most common procedures performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to manage a wide range of complex surgical procedures involving the teeth, jaws, face, and surrounding structures. Common procedures include:

• Wisdom tooth removal

• Tooth extractions – Oral and maxillofacial surgeons often handle extractions that require more advanced techniques, particularly in complex or impacted cases.

• Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery)

• Facial trauma surgery

• Dental implants

• Bone grafting – Often performed to prepare for dental implants when there is insufficient bone volume.

• Sinus lifts – A type of bone grafting procedure performed in the upper jaw to allow for implant placement.

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction

• Cleft lip and palate surgery

• Oral pathology and biopsy procedures – For diagnosis and management of suspicious lesions or growths in the mouth or jaw.

Each procedure is tailored to the individual patient's needs, and your oral and maxillofacial surgeon will discuss the most appropriate treatment options during your consultation.

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

If you experience symptoms such as chronic jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or facial trauma, it’s best to consult an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for a comprehensive evaluation. If you’re facing dental issues that can’t be solved by a general dentist (like severe tooth impaction, toothache or jaw misalignment), a referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon may be necessary.

6. What is the recovery time after oral and maxillofacial surgery?

Recovery times vary depending on the procedure. For example, wisdom tooth removal may require only a few days to a week of rest, while more complex surgeries, like corrective jaw surgery, may take several weeks to a few months for full recovery. Your surgeon will provide specific recovery instructions to help you heal properly.

7. Are oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures covered by health insurance?

Many procedures performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons are covered by private health insurance, but the extent of coverage can vary depending on your plan. It’s important to check with your insurer beforehand to confirm what costs are covered. We can assist with insurance queries and have the Hicaps machine in our rooms (for local anaesthetic claiming, and quote queries for general anaesthetic).

8. What are the risks of oral and maxillofacial surgery?

As with any surgery, there are risks involved, such as infection, bleeding, nerve injury, and complications from anaesthesia. However, these risks are minimal when the surgery is performed by a skilled and experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Your surgeon will discuss any specific risks associated with your procedure in detail prior to surgery.

9. How long will my consultation take and do I need to have one?

Yes, a consultation is an essential part of your treatment process. It ensures you receive a personalised care plan and understand all aspects of your procedure, including risks, recovery, and costs.

Consultations with our oral and maxillofacial surgeons typically take around 20 minutes. During this time, the surgeon will review your medical history, assess any relevant imaging (such as X-rays or scans), and discuss your diagnosis and treatment options in detail. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions and clarify anything you're unsure about.

Even if you've been referred for a specific procedure, such as wisdom tooth removal, a consultation is important to ensure it’s the right approach for your unique case. Click here to book a consultation.

10. How do I prepare for oral and maxillofacial surgery?

Preparation varies depending on the type of anaesthesia used during your procedure:

Local Anaesthetic

If your procedure is performed under local anaesthetic (done in our rooms in the chair, numbing the surgical area only):

• Fasting: No fasting is required. You should have something to eat beforehand.

• Driving: You can drive yourself home afterwards.

• Recovery: While the procedure is less invasive in terms of sedation, recovery can still take 3–7 days, depending on the type of surgery performed. You may experience swelling, discomfort, or limited jaw movement during this period.

General Anaesthetic

If your procedure is performed under general anaesthetic (where you are fully asleep):

• Fasting: You must not eat or drink anything for a specified period before surgery—usually 6 to 8 hours. The hospital will confirm the exact timing.

• Driving: You must arrange for someone to drive you home, as you won’t be able to drive due to the effects of the anaesthetic.

• Recovery: Plan for rest and reduced activity following surgery. General anaesthetic can cause drowsiness, nausea, and disorientation for several hours afterwards.

Inhalation Anaesthetic (Green Whistle)

If your procedure involves inhalation anaesthetic (e.g. the green whistle, done in the chair at our rooms):

• Fasting: No fasting is required.

• Driving: Although fasting isn’t necessary, you must not drive yourself home. Please arrange for someone to collect you.

• Recovery: While effects typically wear off quickly, it's still recommended you rest after the procedure.

Your surgeon or our team at AWOMS will provide detailed instructions tailored to your specific procedure to ensure you are well-prepared.

11. What are the costs associated with oral and maxillofacial surgery?

The cost of surgery can vary depending on the procedure, anaesthesia type, and any additional treatments required. Our team will provide a detailed breakdown of costs during your consultation. We also offer payment plans for eligible patients to help make treatment more affordable.

12. Can I eat and drink after oral and maxillofacial surgery?

After surgery, your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions regarding eating and drinking. In some cases, you may be advised to stick to soft foods for a short period after surgery. Following your surgeon’s advice will help you heal faster and avoid complications.

13. Can I drive after oral and maxillofacial surgery?

If your procedure was performed under local anaesthetic, you should be able to drive home. However, if you received general anaesthesia or sedation, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home. Driving after surgery may be unsafe due to the sedative effects.

14. How can I contact AWOMS to schedule a consultation or ask additional questions?

You can contact us via:

• Phone: 02 6041 6041

• Email: desk@awoms.com.au

• Website: www.awoms.com.au

We’re here to assist with any questions or concerns you may have.