Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of New Mexico, P.A.
What Is Oral Maxillofacial Surgery?
Oral maxillofacial surgery is a specialized surgical discipline that addresses diseases, injuries, and defects involving the mouth, jaws, face, and neck. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons — often referred to as OMS or OMFS providers — complete four to six years of additional hospital-based training beyond dental school, and many hold both a dental degree and a medical degree. At OMSA New Mexico, our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons have served patients across Albuquerque, NM, and surrounding communities including Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, Bernalillo, Corrales, and Santa Fe for decades.
If your dentist has referred you to an oral maxillofacial surgeon, or if you’re researching options on your own, this guide will help you understand what to expect, what conditions these specialists treat, and why choosing the right practice in Albuquerque, NM makes all the difference in your outcome and recovery.
What Does an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Treat?
The scope of oral maxillofacial surgery is broader than most patients realize. OMSA New Mexico’s board-certified surgeons treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Wisdom teeth removal — impacted, partially erupted, or infection-prone third molars
- Dental implants and All-on-4 full-arch restoration — permanent tooth replacement for single teeth or entire arches
- Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) — correcting misaligned jaws that affect bite, breathing, and facial balance
- Bone grafting — rebuilding jawbone lost to tooth extraction, infection, or trauma
- Facial trauma reconstruction — repairing fractured facial bones, lacerations, and soft-tissue injuries
- Impacted teeth — surgically exposing canines or other teeth that fail to erupt normally
- Oral pathology — diagnosis and treatment of cysts, tumors, and lesions of the mouth and jaw
- Chin augmentation and facial cosmetic surgery — enhancing facial harmony through soft-tissue and skeletal procedures
- Sleep apnea surgery — surgical solutions for obstructive sleep apnea when conservative treatments have not worked
- Cleft lip and palate repair — complex reconstructive surgery to restore form and function
To learn more about the full range of conditions treated by our team, visit our complete overview of oral maxillofacial surgery for New Mexico patients.
Oral Maxillofacial Surgery vs. General Dentistry: What’s the Difference?
General dentists are trained to maintain oral health through cleanings, fillings, crowns, and routine extractions. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons go several steps further. After completing dental school, OMS specialists undergo a minimum of four years of residency training in accredited hospital programs — training that often includes rotations through internal medicine, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and plastic surgery.
This advanced training means that oral maxillofacial surgeons at practices like OMSA New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM can:
- Administer all levels of anesthesia — from local anesthesia to IV sedation to general anesthesia — safely in an office setting
- Perform complex reconstructive procedures that require both dental and medical expertise
- Manage patients with systemic health conditions who require surgical care
- Treat trauma patients in emergency and hospital settings, not just planned outpatient cases
For patients in Albuquerque, NM who need anything beyond a routine dental procedure, a referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is often the most appropriate next step. Our complete patient guide to oral surgery at OMSA New Mexico walks through what to expect from initial consultation through recovery.
Why Choose OMSA New Mexico for Oral Maxillofacial Surgery?
OMSA New Mexico — Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of New Mexico — has been one of Albuquerque’s most trusted oral surgery practices for over 35 years. Our surgical team consists of board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons who are members of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). Here’s what sets us apart:
Board-Certified Surgeons with Dual-Degree Training
Our surgeons hold both DDS/DMD and MD degrees, giving them the depth of training to manage complex cases that intersect oral and systemic health. Whether your case involves significant bone loss, facial trauma, or a medically complex background, our team is equipped to provide safe, expert care in Albuquerque, NM.
Advanced In-Office 3D Imaging
We use cone beam CT (CBCT) technology to capture three-dimensional images of your teeth, jaws, nerves, and facial structures. This technology allows for precise surgical planning — particularly important for dental implants, bone grafts, and jaw surgeries — without requiring a separate radiology visit.
Multiple Office Locations Serving Greater Albuquerque
With multiple Albuquerque, NM locations, OMSA New Mexico is accessible for patients across the metro area, including those traveling from Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Corrales, Los Lunas, and Santa Fe. Our offices are staffed by experienced surgical teams who prioritize patient comfort and efficient care.
Full Spectrum of Anesthesia Options
Anxiety about surgery is common and understandable. OMSA New Mexico offers the full range of anesthesia options — local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, IV sedation, and general anesthesia — so your procedure can be performed comfortably. Our surgeons are specifically trained and licensed to administer anesthesia in an office setting, a distinction not all providers hold.
Read more about what sets OMSA New Mexico apart as an oral surgeon in Albuquerque, NM.
What to Expect at Your First Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Consultation
Most patients come to OMSA New Mexico with a referral from their general dentist or specialist, though self-referrals are also welcome. At your first consultation in Albuquerque, NM, you can expect:
- Review of your dental and medical history — including current medications, allergies, and any relevant health conditions
- Comprehensive clinical exam — your surgeon will examine the area of concern and review any existing X-rays or records
- 3D imaging if needed — a CBCT scan may be taken in-office to provide detailed anatomical information
- Diagnosis and treatment options — your surgeon will explain the findings, recommended procedure, and any alternatives
- Anesthesia planning — together you’ll decide on the appropriate level of sedation for your procedure
- Financial and insurance coordination — our team will help you understand what your insurance covers and any out-of-pocket costs
Most oral maxillofacial surgery procedures are performed right in our Albuquerque, NM office. Our team will provide detailed pre-operative and post-operative instructions so you know exactly how to prepare and what to expect during recovery.
Common Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Procedures Explained
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Third molars — wisdom teeth — are the most commonly removed teeth in oral maxillofacial surgery. When wisdom teeth are impacted (trapped beneath the gum line) or positioned in a way that risks damage to neighboring teeth, surgical removal is typically recommended. OMSA New Mexico performs wisdom tooth extractions for patients of all ages across Albuquerque, NM and the surrounding region.
Dental Implants and All-on-4
Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to support crowns, bridges, or full-arch dentures. All-on-4 dental implants in Albuquerque offer a particularly powerful solution for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth — four implants support an entire arch of teeth, often in a single surgical appointment. Adequate bone volume is essential; our team will determine during your consultation whether bone grafting is also needed.
Bone Grafting
When the jawbone lacks the volume or density to support a dental implant, bone grafting rebuilds the foundation. Bone graft material (from the patient, a donor, or a synthetic source) is placed at the site of bone deficiency and allowed to integrate with existing bone over several months. OMSA New Mexico performs bone grafting procedures including ridge augmentation, sinus lifts, socket preservation, and nerve repositioning.
Facial Trauma Surgery
Facial fractures and soft-tissue injuries from accidents, falls, or sports injuries often require surgical intervention to restore both function and appearance. OMSA New Mexico’s surgeons are experienced in treating complex facial trauma in Albuquerque, NM, including orbital floor fractures, mandibular fractures, nasal fractures, and lacerations of the face and mouth. Prompt evaluation after a facial injury is important to optimize outcomes.
Insurance, Financing, and Accessibility
Many oral maxillofacial surgery procedures are covered at least in part by medical or dental insurance, particularly when the procedure is medically necessary (such as impacted teeth, facial trauma, or sleep apnea surgery). OMSA New Mexico works with a wide range of insurance providers and also offers financing options to make care accessible for patients throughout Albuquerque, NM.
We encourage patients to bring their insurance card and referral paperwork to their first appointment. Our administrative team will work through coverage questions on your behalf. For patients without insurance, we’ll discuss self-pay rates and financing options upfront — no surprises.
Serving Albuquerque, NM and All of Central New Mexico
OMSA New Mexico is one of the most established oral maxillofacial surgery practices in New Mexico. We treat patients from across the Albuquerque metro area and beyond — including Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Corrales, Los Lunas, and Santa Fe. Whether you need a straightforward tooth extraction or a complex reconstructive procedure, our surgical team provides expert, compassionate care close to home.
For a full overview of our practice and services, visit our guide to oral maxillofacial surgery in Albuquerque, NM.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or dental advice. Please consult with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss your specific diagnosis and treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Maxillofacial Surgery
What is oral maxillofacial surgery and who performs it?
Oral maxillofacial surgery is a surgical specialty focused on the mouth, jaws, teeth, face, and neck. Procedures are performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons — specialists who complete four to six years of hospital-based residency training after dental school. Many also hold a medical degree in addition to their dental degree.
Is oral maxillofacial surgery covered by insurance?
Many oral maxillofacial surgery procedures are covered by dental insurance, medical insurance, or both, depending on the procedure and whether it is considered medically necessary. Wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, jaw surgery, and facial trauma repair may each involve different coverage considerations. OMSA New Mexico’s team can help you navigate your insurance benefits before treatment begins.
Will I be put to sleep for oral maxillofacial surgery?
Not necessarily — it depends on the procedure, your health history, and your preference. OMSA New Mexico offers local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate anesthesia level for your specific procedure and discuss your options at the consultation appointment.
How long is recovery from oral maxillofacial surgery?
Recovery time varies widely depending on the type and complexity of the procedure. Wisdom tooth removal typically involves three to five days of restricted activity. Jaw surgery or complex reconstructive procedures may require several weeks of recovery. Your OMSA New Mexico surgeon will provide a personalized recovery timeline and detailed post-operative instructions tailored to your procedure.
How do I schedule an oral maxillofacial surgery consultation at OMSA New Mexico in Albuquerque?
You can request a consultation by calling our Albuquerque, NM offices directly or submitting a request online. Many patients are referred by their general dentist, but self-referrals are welcome. Our team will gather your information and connect you with the surgeon best suited to your needs.