When your dentist refers you to a maxillofacial surgeon, you may have questions — what does that title actually mean, what kinds of procedures do they perform, and how do you find the right specialist in Albuquerque, NM? This guide answers all of that and more, so you arrive at your first appointment fully informed and confident.

What Is a Maxillofacial Surgeon?

A maxillofacial surgeon — more precisely, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) — is a surgical specialist who treats conditions of the mouth, jaw, face, head, and neck. The word “maxillofacial” comes from the Latin maxilla (upper jaw) and facies (face), reflecting the broad anatomical territory these surgeons are trained to treat.

What sets a maxillofacial surgeon apart from a general dentist or even a specialist like an orthodontist is the depth and length of their training. After completing dental school, an OMS completes a four- to six-year hospital-based residency — one that includes rotations through general surgery, anesthesiology, internal medicine, and emergency medicine. Many surgeons pursue dual MD/DDS or MD/DMD degrees, giving them credentials in both medicine and dentistry. At OMSA New Mexico in Albuquerque, our board-certified surgeons hold both degrees and bring that full breadth of training to every patient encounter.

What Does a Maxillofacial Surgeon Treat?

The scope of care is broader than most patients realize. If you have been referred to a maxillofacial surgeon in Albuquerque, NM, your condition likely falls into one of these categories:

Wisdom Teeth and Impacted Teeth

Removing third molars — especially those that are impacted, positioned at an angle, or partially erupted — is one of the most common reasons patients see an OMS. Unlike a general dentist extraction, surgical removal may require incisions, bone removal, and precise tissue management. Learn more about what to expect in our guide to wisdom teeth removal in Albuquerque, NM.

Dental Implants and Bone Grafting

Placing dental implants requires a thorough understanding of bone quality and volume. When bone is insufficient — due to tooth loss, injury, or disease — a maxillofacial surgeon first performs a bone graft to build a solid foundation. Patients from Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, Bernalillo, Corrales, and Santa Fe routinely travel to our Albuquerque office for this level of specialized implant care. For a detailed breakdown, see our post on bone grafting in Albuquerque, NM.

Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)

When the upper and lower jaws do not align properly — causing difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing — orthognathic surgery repositions the jaw bones to correct the underlying skeletal problem. This is a condition that braces alone cannot fix; surgical correction requires the precision of a trained maxillofacial surgeon.

Facial Trauma

Broken facial bones, lacerated soft tissue, and injuries involving the eye sockets or nasal complex require emergency surgical intervention. Maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely qualified for this work because of their dual medical and dental training, allowing them to address both hard tissue (bone) and soft tissue (skin, muscle) injuries simultaneously.

Facial Cosmetic Procedures

Many maxillofacial surgeons perform facial cosmetic procedures such as chin augmentation, jaw contouring, and facial liposuction. Because they understand facial anatomy at the bone-and-tissue level, they bring a structural precision to cosmetic work that purely aesthetic practitioners may not. Read about our approach to chin augmentation in Albuquerque, NM.

Pathology and Cysts

Cysts, tumors, and other pathologic lesions of the jaw and oral cavity require biopsy, diagnosis, and often surgical removal. A maxillofacial surgeon has the training to both identify and treat these conditions, often working in coordination with oncologists when malignancy is a concern.

Cleft Lip and Palate

Reconstruction of congenital defects like cleft lip and cleft palate is among the most specialized and rewarding work an OMS performs. These procedures are typically staged across childhood, requiring close coordination with a multidisciplinary craniofacial team.

Maxillofacial Surgeon vs. Oral Surgeon: Is There a Difference?

The terms are often used interchangeably, and in practice, they refer to the same specialist. “Oral surgeon” is the common shorthand; “oral and maxillofacial surgeon” is the formal credentialed title. If someone calls themselves an oral surgeon in Albuquerque, NM, they hold the same OMS degree and hospital-based training. For a fuller comparison, see our complete guide: What Is a Maxillofacial Surgeon?

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Your first visit to a maxillofacial surgeon in Albuquerque, NM, typically involves a comprehensive exam that may include cone-beam CT (3D) imaging, a review of your dental and medical history, and a conversation about your treatment goals. You will leave with a clear diagnosis and a written treatment plan before any procedure is scheduled.

At OMSA New Mexico, no referral is required for most procedures. Patients from across the region — including Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, Bernalillo, Corrales, and Santa Fe — are welcome to call or book online directly.

Anesthesia and Sedation Options

One hallmark of oral and maxillofacial surgery is the ability to administer all levels of anesthesia in the office setting — from local anesthetic to IV sedation to general anesthesia. This is not true of all dental specialties; OMS residencies include dedicated anesthesia training precisely so patients can undergo procedures comfortably and safely without a hospital setting. If anesthesia concerns you, ask our team which option is most appropriate for your specific procedure.

How to Choose a Maxillofacial Surgeon in Albuquerque, NM

Not all oral surgery practices are identical. Here are the criteria that matter most:

• Board certification: Look for fellowship in the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) and active board certification.
• Dual-degree training: An MD/DDS or MD/DMD combination indicates the surgeon completed a full medical residency, not just a dental-only program.
• In-office anesthesia: The ability to perform IV sedation and general anesthesia on-site is a marker of rigorous training and increases patient comfort and safety.
• Advanced imaging: Cone-beam CT (3D imaging) allows for far more accurate surgical planning than traditional 2D X-rays.
• Hospital privileges: Surgeons with active hospital privileges are credentialed to manage complex or emergency cases — a sign of professional standing.

You can learn more about what the full scope of this specialty entails in our comprehensive overview of oral maxillofacial surgery in Albuquerque, NM.

Why Albuquerque Patients Choose OMSA New Mexico

OMSA New Mexico has served the greater Albuquerque metropolitan area — including Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Los Lunas, Corrales, and Santa Fe — for decades. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons hold dual MD and dental degrees, perform the full spectrum of OMS procedures, and offer in-office IV sedation and general anesthesia for patient comfort. We accept most major insurance plans and offer financing options for elective procedures.

Our office is located at 6800 Montgomery Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, with convenient access from I-25. Most patients from Rio Rancho are fewer than 20 minutes away; patients from Los Lunas and Bernalillo typically arrive within 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maxillofacial Surgeons in Albuquerque, NM

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

No. While many patients are referred by their general dentist or orthodontist, OMSA New Mexico accepts self-referrals for most procedures. You can call our office or book a consultation online without a formal referral letter.

How long does it take to become a maxillofacial surgeon?

After four years of dental school, an OMS completes a hospital-based residency of four to six years. Surgeons who pursue a dual MD degree spend additional time in medical school, bringing total post-undergraduate training to 10-12 years or more.

Will my insurance cover oral and maxillofacial surgery?

Coverage depends on the procedure and your plan. Medically necessary procedures — such as jaw surgery, impacted wisdom teeth removal, and facial trauma repair — are typically covered by medical insurance, dental insurance, or both. OMSA New Mexico works with most major carriers and can verify your benefits before treatment begins.

Is maxillofacial surgery performed under anesthesia?

Yes, most procedures involve some form of anesthesia. Simple extractions may use local anesthetic only; more complex procedures typically use IV sedation or general anesthesia administered by our surgeons in the office. Our team will review your options and recommend the safest and most comfortable approach for your specific case.

What is recovery like after maxillofacial surgery?

Recovery varies widely by procedure. Wisdom tooth removal typically involves a few days of soreness and swelling. Jaw surgery or facial reconstruction may require several weeks of limited activity and dietary changes. Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative instructions tailored to your procedure before you leave the office.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or dental advice. Please consult with a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss your specific condition and treatment options.

Schedule a Consultation at OMSA New Mexico

If you are looking for an experienced maxillofacial surgeon in Albuquerque, NM, OMSA New Mexico is ready to help. We serve patients throughout Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, Bernalillo, Corrales, and Santa Fe. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation — no referral required.

OMSA New Mexico
6800 Montgomery Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
Phone: (505) 888-1929
Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM