If your dentist or physician has referred you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon — or if you’ve simply searched “maxillofacial surgery” and ended up more confused than when you started — this guide is for you. Maxillofacial surgery is one of the most misunderstood specialties in medicine, yet it touches hundreds of thousands of patients every year. This article explains exactly what it is, which procedures fall under its umbrella, what recovery looks like, how training works, and how to find the right surgeon in Albuquerque, NM.

OMSA New Mexico has provided board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgical care to patients throughout Albuquerque, NM and surrounding communities — Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, Bernalillo, Corrales, and Santa Fe — for decades. Here is everything you need to know before your first appointment.

Maxillofacial Surgery: A Plain-Language Definition

Maxillofacial surgery — technically called oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) — is a surgical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, and structural conditions affecting the mouth, teeth, jaws, face, head, and neck. The word “maxillofacial” combines the Latin maxilla (upper jaw) and facial, signaling the specialty’s anatomical focus beyond dentistry.

Think of it this way: if a condition involves bones, nerves, skin, or soft tissue anywhere from the lips to the skull base — and requires surgical correction — a maxillofacial surgeon is typically the right specialist.

Crucially, maxillofacial surgery is distinct from general dentistry. It is a recognized surgical specialty requiring four to six additional years of hospital-based training after dental school. Many surgeons also earn a full medical degree (MD) during residency. The result is a practitioner trained to perform complex surgery under general anesthesia — in a hospital operating room, an ambulatory surgical center, or a fully equipped outpatient office like OMSA New Mexico.

For a comprehensive overview of the full scope of care, see our complete guide to oral maxillofacial surgery in Albuquerque, NM.

Is Maxillofacial Surgery Medical or Dental?

This is one of the most common questions patients ask — and the honest answer is: both. That dual identity is what makes the specialty uniquely valuable.

• Maxillofacial surgeons hold a DDS or DMD (dental degree) and complete a residency structured like a medical surgical training program
• Many also hold an MD — completing a dual-degree program that grants both a dental and a medical license
• They are credentialed to perform surgery in hospitals, not just dental offices
• Procedures like jaw surgery, facial trauma repair, sleep apnea surgery, and pathology treatment often qualify for medical insurance coverage — not just dental benefits

This dual nature is why a referral from your general dentist often lands you at a maxillofacial surgeon’s office rather than another dental specialist. It is also why OMSA New Mexico works directly with medical insurance carriers, including Medicaid, for many of the procedures we perform.

The Most Common Maxillofacial Surgery Procedures

The scope of maxillofacial surgery is broader than most patients expect. Here are the procedures most commonly performed at OMSA New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM:

Wisdom Tooth Removal

The single most performed maxillofacial surgery procedure in the United States. When third molars are impacted — partially or fully trapped beneath the gumline — they create risk of infection, crowding, and damage to neighboring teeth. OMSA New Mexico performs wisdom tooth extractions with IV sedation for a comfortable, anxiety-free experience. Learn more about wisdom teeth removal in Albuquerque, NM: costs, recovery, and what to expect.

Dental Implants and Full-Arch Restoration

Maxillofacial surgeons are among the most rigorously trained implant placement specialists. A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to permanently anchor a crown, bridge, or denture. For patients missing most or all teeth, All-on-4 full-arch restoration places a complete set of teeth on just four implants — often in a single surgical day. See our complete 2026 dental implants guide for Albuquerque, NM patients.

Bone Grafting

Tooth loss and periodontal disease erode jawbone volume over time. Without sufficient bone, implant placement is not possible. Bone grafting in Albuquerque, NM at OMSA New Mexico rebuilds that foundation — using socket preservation, ridge augmentation, sinus lifts, and various graft materials including the patient’s own bone, donor bone (allograft), and synthetic materials.

Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)

When jaws don’t align properly — causing difficulty chewing, chronic jaw pain, obstructive sleep apnea, or significant facial imbalance — orthodontics alone may not be sufficient. Jaw alignment surgery in Albuquerque, NM repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to restore function and facial balance. OMSA New Mexico uses Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) technology to digitally simulate the procedure before a single incision is made.

Facial Trauma Surgery

Fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, orbital rim, and nasal bones following accidents, falls, or sports injuries require surgical repair that restores both form and function. OMSA New Mexico coordinates directly with emergency departments throughout the Albuquerque metro area for urgent facial trauma cases.

Oral Pathology and Biopsies

Persistent oral sores, unexplained lumps, white or red patches, and jaw lesions require evaluation by a maxillofacial surgeon. Early-stage diagnosis dramatically improves outcomes for oral pathology — benign or malignant. Any tissue change lasting more than two weeks without explanation warrants prompt examination.

Chin and Facial Cosmetic Surgery

Because maxillofacial surgeons train extensively on the bones and soft tissue of the entire face, many procedures once reserved for plastic surgeons fall within the OMS scope. Chin augmentation in Albuquerque, NM is one example — repositioning or augmenting the chin bone with anatomical precision to restore facial balance.

Sleep Apnea Surgery

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy may qualify for surgical intervention, including maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) — which enlarges the airway by repositioning both jaws forward. This is one of the highest-success surgical treatments for severe OSA, and one uniquely within the OMS surgeon’s expertise.

Maxillofacial Surgery Training: Why It Matters

Understanding the training pathway helps you appreciate why a board-certified maxillofacial surgeon is a fundamentally different provider than a general dentist performing basic extractions:

The surgeons at OMSA New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM have completed this full training pathway. To learn more about what an oral and maxillofacial surgeon does day-to-day, read our guide: What does an oral surgeon do? Your complete guide to OMS care in Albuquerque, NM.

What Does Maxillofacial Surgery Recovery Look Like?

Recovery varies significantly by procedure. Here is a realistic timeline for the most common maxillofacial surgery procedures performed at OMSA New Mexico:

• Wisdom tooth removal: 3–5 days of soreness and swelling. Most patients return to work or school within 3–7 days. Soft diet for 1–2 weeks.
• Single dental implant: Minor soreness for 3–5 days post-surgery. Osseointegration (bone bonding) takes 3–6 months before the final crown is placed.
• All-on-4 full arch: Provisional teeth placed same day. Soft diet for 4–6 months during osseointegration. Final teeth placed after healing is confirmed.
• Bone grafting: 1–2 weeks of soft diet and limited activity. Graft maturation takes 3–6 months before implant surgery can proceed.
• Orthognathic jaw surgery: Hospital stay 1–2 days. Restricted diet of 6–8 weeks. Facial swelling resolves over 3–6 months. Full skeletal stability at 6–12 months.
• Facial trauma repair: Highly variable depending on injury severity. Most patients are discharged within 1–3 days of surgical repair, with restricted jaw function for several weeks.

At OMSA New Mexico, every patient receives written post-operative instructions, a direct after-hours contact number, and a follow-up appointment scheduled before they leave the office.

Maxillofacial Surgery in Albuquerque, NM: What Sets OMSA New Mexico Apart

Patients from across Albuquerque, NM and from Rio Rancho (approximately 20 minutes northwest via US-550), Los Lunas (25 minutes south via I-25), Bernalillo (30 minutes north via I-25), Corrales, and Santa Fe (60 minutes north via I-25) choose OMSA New Mexico for their maxillofacial care. Here’s why:

• ABOMS board-certified surgeons with dual dental and medical training
• In-house cone-beam CT (3D) imaging — precise surgical planning without referral delays
• Full anesthesia capability in-office — local, nitrous oxide, IV sedation, and general anesthesia administered by our own surgical team
• Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) for jaw surgery and complex reconstructive cases
• Same-day arch restoration for qualifying All-on-4 implant patients
• Medical and dental insurance coordination — including Medicaid
• Decades serving Albuquerque, NM — a trusted community practice with deep local roots

For additional context on what makes a great oral surgery practice, see our guide to choosing an oral surgeon in Albuquerque, NM.

Schedule a Maxillofacial Surgery Consultation at OMSA New Mexico

Whether you’ve been referred by your dentist, are experiencing jaw pain or facial injury, or simply want to understand your options — OMSA New Mexico is here to help. No referral is required for most procedures.

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

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or dental advice. Every patient’s situation is unique. Please consult with a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon for guidance specific to your condition and health history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maxillofacial Surgery

What exactly does “maxillofacial” mean?

The word “maxillofacial” combines maxilla (the upper jaw bone in Latin) and facial (relating to the face). Together, “maxillofacial” describes the anatomical territory this surgical specialty covers: the upper and lower jaws, teeth, face, skull base, and surrounding structures. When you see “oral and maxillofacial surgery,” it means surgery of the mouth, jaws, and face.

Is maxillofacial surgery the same as oral surgery?

“Oral surgery” is a general term for procedures in and around the mouth. “Maxillofacial surgery” (formally: oral and maxillofacial surgery) is the recognized specialty — it extends beyond the mouth to include the full face, jaws, and skull, and it requires four to six years of hospital-based residency training on top of dental school. All maxillofacial surgeons perform oral surgery, but not all oral surgery is performed by trained maxillofacial surgeons.

How much does maxillofacial surgery cost in Albuquerque, NM?

Costs vary widely by procedure. Wisdom tooth removal typically ranges from $225–$600 per tooth depending on impaction complexity and anesthesia. Dental implants range from $1,500–$3,500 per implant. Orthognathic (jaw) surgery, which is frequently covered by medical insurance, may cost $20,000–$40,000 without coverage. OMSA New Mexico provides written estimates before any procedure and works with your insurance to maximize covered benefits.

Is maxillofacial surgery covered by insurance?

Many maxillofacial procedures qualify for medical insurance coverage — not just dental. Jaw surgery, facial trauma repair, sleep apnea surgery, pathology biopsies, and certain implant-related procedures are commonly reimbursed under medical plans. OMSA New Mexico works with most major carriers, including Medicaid, and verifies your benefits before scheduling.

Do I need a referral to see a maxillofacial surgeon at OMSA New Mexico?

A referral from your dentist or physician is common but not required. OMSA New Mexico accepts self-referred patients for most procedures and serves patients from Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, Bernalillo, Corrales, Santa Fe, and communities throughout New Mexico.

How do I know if I need maxillofacial surgery?

Common indicators include: impacted or painful wisdom teeth, jaw misalignment causing bite problems or chronic pain, missing teeth you’d like to replace with implants, facial trauma or fractures, unexplained oral lesions or swelling lasting more than two weeks, sleep apnea not responding to CPAP, or a referral from your dentist or primary care physician. When in doubt, a consultation at OMSA New Mexico is the best first step — there is no obligation to proceed with treatment at that visit.