Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgery involves diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions that affect the mouth, jaws, face, and neck. This specialty combines dentistry and medicine to provide care for injuries, abnormalities, and functional issues that impact your health and quality of life.

At Southern Smiles, we partner with highly trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons to ensure you receive the highest level of care—whether you need a simple procedure or complex surgical treatment.

What Is an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are dental specialists who complete an additional 4–6 years of hospital-based surgical training after dental school. Their training includes rotations in:

Internal medicine
General and emergency surgery
Anesthesiology
ENT (ear, nose, and throat)
Plastic surgery

Their advanced skills make them uniquely qualified to perform both functional and cosmetic procedures involving the face, mouth, and jaw.

Conditions We Treat

Below are some of the most common oral surgery procedures we refer for or assist with at Southern Smiles:

Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)

Used to correct misalignments of the upper and lower jaws, this procedure can improve:

Chewing and speech
Facial balance and appearance
Breathing (especially for sleep apnea)

Signs you may need jaw surgery include a receding or protruding chin, difficulty chewing, or severe bite issues.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Most people don’t have enough room in their mouths for wisdom teeth to grow in properly. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to:

Pain or swelling
Gum infection
Tooth decay or crowding

Removal is typically recommended in the late teens or early twenties for smoother healing.

Cleft Lip & Palate Repair

Cleft conditions occur when the tissues of the upper lip or roof of the mouth don’t fully form during fetal development. These can affect speech, eating, and hearing. Oral surgeons work closely with pediatric teams to coordinate long-term surgical correction.

Facial Trauma & Injuries

From sports injuries to accidents, trauma to the face and jaw can cause:

Broken bones
Tooth damage
Breathing or speaking difficulties

Oral surgeons specialize in treating facial fractures and restoring both function and appearance.

TMJ Disorder (TMD) Surgery

If you’re experiencing jaw pain, clicking, limited motion, or chronic headaches, you may have a temporomandibular joint disorder. While many cases can be treated with non-surgical methods, surgery may be needed if:

Conservative treatments fail
Joint damage is present

Procedures may include arthroscopy or joint repair.

Oral Pathology & Cancer Diagnosis

Early detection is key to treating oral cancer. Watch for signs like:

White or red patches
Persistent sore throat
Lumps or pain when swallowing

If necessary, an oral surgeon will perform a biopsy to identify the cause and recommend treatment.

Dental Implants

For long-term tooth replacement, dental implants offer unmatched stability and natural function. Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and can support crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Outpatient Anesthesia

Oral surgeons are trained to safely administer anesthesia in-office, including:

Local anesthesia
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
IV sedation
General anesthesia

Your comfort and safety are always top priorities.

Ready to Learn More?

If you believe you may need oral surgery, or you’ve been referred by our orthodontic team, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

📍 Serving patients in Douglasville and Union City, GA