What Is Oral Maxillofacial Surgery?

Oral maxillofacial surgery is a highly specialized field of medicine that addresses diseases, injuries, and defects affecting the mouth, jaw, face, and skull. Surgeons who practice this specialty — known as oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS) — complete extensive post-dental school training that combines elements of dentistry, medicine, and surgery. In Albuquerque, NM, the team at OMSA New Mexico brings this full scope of expertise directly to patients across the greater Albuquerque metro area.

Whether you’ve been referred for a complex tooth extraction, jaw realignment, dental implant placement, or facial trauma repair, understanding what oral maxillofacial surgery involves can help you feel confident and prepared before your appointment.

What Conditions Does Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Treat?

Oral maxillofacial surgery covers a remarkably broad range of conditions. At our Albuquerque, NM practice, patients commonly come to us for:

• Wisdom teeth removal — Impacted or partially erupted third molars that cause pain, infection, or crowding
• Dental implants — Permanent tooth replacement solutions surgically placed into the jawbone
• Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) — Realignment of the upper and lower jaws to correct bite issues, sleep apnea, and facial imbalance
• Bone grafting — Rebuilding jawbone volume lost due to tooth loss, disease, or trauma
• Facial trauma repair — Treatment of facial lacerations, fractured bones, and jaw injuries
• Cleft lip and palate repair — Surgical correction of congenital facial differences
• Oral pathology — Diagnosis and removal of cysts, tumors, and lesions of the mouth and jaw
• Sleep apnea treatment — Surgical interventions that open the airway for patients who haven’t responded to CPAP therapy

If you’re unsure whether your condition requires oral maxillofacial surgery, your general dentist or primary care physician will typically provide a referral. Patients traveling from Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, Bernalillo, Corrales, and Santa Fe regularly visit our Albuquerque, NM office for specialized surgical care.

How Is an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon Different from a General Dentist?

Many patients wonder why they’ve been referred to a specialist instead of having a procedure done at their regular dental office. The distinction matters. A general dentist completes four years of dental school. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon completes that same dental training plus an additional four to six years of hospital-based surgical residency — including rotations in anesthesiology, internal medicine, and trauma surgery.

This advanced training means that oral maxillofacial surgeons in Albuquerque, NM are uniquely qualified to:

• Administer general anesthesia and IV sedation safely in an office setting
• Manage complex surgical cases involving bone, soft tissue, and nerves
• Treat medically complex patients with systemic health conditions
• Handle surgical emergencies and complications

At OMSA New Mexico, our surgeons hold both dental and medical degrees, ensuring every patient in Albuquerque receives the highest standard of surgical care.

Common Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Procedures at OMSA New Mexico

Dental Implants

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. They are widely considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Our oral surgeons in Albuquerque, NM place implants with precision using advanced 3D imaging technology to plan each case and minimize risk. Learn more about dental implants at OMSA New Mexico.

Corrective Jaw Surgery

Also known as orthognathic surgery, this procedure corrects skeletal irregularities of the jaw that can’t be fixed with braces alone. Patients in Albuquerque, NM dealing with chronic jaw pain, difficulty chewing, obstructive sleep apnea, or significant facial asymmetry may be candidates for corrective jaw surgery.

Bone Grafting

When the jawbone has deteriorated — often due to prolonged tooth loss or periodontal disease — a bone graft rebuilds the foundation needed for dental implants or other restorative treatments. Our Albuquerque oral surgery team uses advanced grafting techniques to restore bone volume safely and predictably. Explore our bone grafting procedures in detail.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Impacted wisdom teeth are one of the most common reasons patients are referred to an oral maxillofacial surgeon. Early removal — often in the late teens or early twenties — prevents pain, infection, crowding, and damage to neighboring teeth. Our team serves patients from across Albuquerque, NM and surrounding communities including Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, and Los Lunas. Learn about wisdom teeth removal at OMSA New Mexico.

Sleep Apnea Surgery

For patients with obstructive sleep apnea who haven’t found relief with a CPAP machine or oral appliance, surgical options may significantly improve quality of life. Our Albuquerque oral surgeons evaluate each patient individually to identify the right intervention. Read more about sleep apnea treatment options at our practice.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery

Your experience will vary based on the specific procedure, but most patients at our Albuquerque, NM practice follow a similar path:

Before Surgery

Your surgeon will conduct a thorough consultation that includes reviewing your medical and dental history, taking X-rays or cone beam CT scans, and discussing your treatment options. You’ll receive clear pre-operative instructions, which may include fasting guidelines if sedation or general anesthesia is planned.

During Surgery

OMSA New Mexico offers multiple levels of anesthesia — from local anesthetic to IV sedation and general anesthesia — administered by our trained surgical team right in our Albuquerque office. Most procedures take between 30 minutes and a few hours depending on complexity.

After Surgery

Recovery varies by procedure. Most patients resume light activity within a few days. Your care team will provide detailed aftercare instructions covering diet, medications, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments. We’re available to answer questions throughout your recovery.

Is Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Covered by Insurance?

Many oral maxillofacial surgery procedures are covered — at least in part — by medical or dental insurance. Because this specialty bridges dentistry and medicine, some procedures may qualify for medical insurance reimbursement. Our Albuquerque, NM team works with a wide range of insurers and can help verify your benefits before treatment. Visit our insurance information page for details, or contact us directly to discuss your coverage.

Why Choose OMSA New Mexico for Oral Maxillofacial Surgery in Albuquerque?

OMSA New Mexico has been serving patients throughout the Albuquerque metro area — including Rio Rancho, Corrales, Bernalillo, Los Lunas, and Santa Fe — with advanced oral and maxillofacial surgical care. Here’s what sets our practice apart:

• Board-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons with dual degrees in dentistry and medicine
• State-of-the-art Albuquerque facility equipped with 3D imaging and in-office anesthesia capabilities
• Full-spectrum surgical care from simple extractions to complex reconstructive procedures
• Compassionate, patient-centered approach with personalized treatment planning
• Convenient Albuquerque, NM location easily accessible to patients across New Mexico

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Every patient’s situation is unique. Please consult with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss your specific condition and treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

How long does it take to recover from oral maxillofacial surgery?

Recovery time depends on the specific procedure. Simple tooth extractions may involve just a few days of soreness, while jaw surgery can require several weeks of recovery. Your surgeon at our Albuquerque, NM practice will give you a clear timeline based on your individual treatment plan.

Is oral maxillofacial surgery painful?

Procedures are performed under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, so patients are comfortable during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is normal and is managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications. Most patients find discomfort manageable and short-lived.

Do I need a referral to see an oral maxillofacial surgeon in Albuquerque?

A referral from your dentist or physician is common, but not always required. You’re welcome to contact OMSA New Mexico directly to schedule a consultation. We serve patients from Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, Bernalillo, Corrales, and Santa Fe.

What’s the difference between oral surgery and oral maxillofacial surgery?

“Oral surgery” is a general term often used to describe any surgical procedure in the mouth. “Oral maxillofacial surgery” is the formal specialty name, covering a broader scope that includes the face, jaws, and skull in addition to the oral cavity. All oral maxillofacial surgeons are trained in oral surgery, but not all oral surgeons have completed full OMS residency training.

Does OMSA New Mexico accept Medicaid or Medicare?

We work with many insurance plans including Medicaid. Please visit our insurance page or call our Albuquerque, NM office directly to confirm your specific plan is accepted before scheduling.