OMSA New Mexico provides oral and maxillofacial surgery services in Albuquerque, offering procedures from tooth extraction and implant placement to corrective jaw surgery and treatment of oral pathology. Board-certified oral surgeons evaluate and treat complex dental and facial conditions that general dentists typically refer to specialists.
Reviewed by OMSA New Mexico clinical team
What Oral Surgeons Treat
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons manage surgical conditions of the mouth, jaw, and face. Common procedures include extraction of impacted or severely decayed teeth, placement of dental implants, removal of cysts or tumors, correction of bite problems through orthognathic surgery, and treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Patients are typically referred by their general dentist when a condition requires surgical expertise or when anesthesia beyond local numbing is necessary.
Surgical Procedures Available
| Procedure | Typical Use | Anesthesia Level |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth extraction | Impacted, severely decayed, or orthodontically problematic teeth | Local to IV sedation |
| Dental implant placement | Replacement of missing teeth | Local to IV sedation |
| Wisdom tooth removal | Impacted or symptomatic third molars | Local to general anesthesia |
| Bone grafting | Preparation for implants or reconstruction | IV sedation to general anesthesia |
| Jaw surgery (orthognathic) | Correction of bite and facial structure | General anesthesia |
| Cyst or tumor removal | Benign or malignant oral pathology | IV sedation to general anesthesia |
| TMJ surgery | Treatment of joint dysfunction | IV sedation to general anesthesia |
Anesthesia Options
Oral surgeons are trained to administer multiple levels of anesthesia, from local numbing alone to IV conscious sedation to full general anesthesia. The choice depends on the complexity of the procedure, patient anxiety level, and medical history. IV sedation allows patients to remain conscious but relaxed and unaware of time passing. General anesthesia is used for longer or more complex procedures. Your surgeon will discuss which option is appropriate during the consultation.
What to Expect During a Consultation
An initial visit includes a clinical examination, review of medical and dental history, and imaging (X-rays or CT scans) to assess the surgical site. The surgeon explains the procedure, discusses risks and benefits, reviews anesthesia options, and answers questions. Most consultations take 30–45 minutes. You will receive pre-operative instructions (fasting, medication adjustments, transportation arrangements) and post-operative care guidelines before surgery.
Recovery and Post-Operative Care
Recovery time varies by procedure. Simple extractions may require a few days of rest; more complex surgeries like jaw reconstruction may require several weeks. Common post-operative experiences include swelling (peaks around day 2–3), bruising, mild to moderate discomfort managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication, and temporary dietary restrictions. Most patients return to light activity within one week and full activity within 2–4 weeks, depending on the procedure. Detailed post-operative instructions are provided at discharge.
What You Can Expect at OMSA New Mexico
OMSA New Mexico is staffed by board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons with training in surgical extraction, implant dentistry, and reconstruction. The practice uses modern imaging and surgical technology to plan and execute procedures with precision. Patients receive comprehensive pre-operative evaluation, clear communication about their condition and treatment plan, and attentive post-operative follow-up. The team coordinates closely with referring dentists and physicians to ensure continuity of care.