What Is a Maxillofacial Surgeon and What Do They Treat?

Key Takeaways

• Maxillofacial surgeons are specialists trained in both medicine and dentistry, focusing on complex facial and jaw surgeries.
• Common reasons to visit one include facial trauma, jaw misalignment, TMJ disorders, and impacted wisdom teeth.
• A maxillofacial surgeon has a high earning potential and strong job demand, but becoming one requires 10–14 years of education and training.

If you’ve ever experienced a serious dental issue, jaw pain, or a facial injury, you might have been referred to a maxillofacial surgeon. Or maybe you’re exploring medical careers and stumbled across the name. Either way, it’s natural to wonder: what exactly does a maxillofacial surgeon do? 

These specialists work at the crossroads of medicine and dentistry, handling complex conditions that affect the mouth, jaw, face, and neck. Whether it’s removing impacted wisdom teeth, treating facial trauma, or correcting jaw misalignment, maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely trained to tackle both functional and cosmetic issues in one of the body’s most sensitive areas.

What Is a Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Maxillofacial surgeons are specialists trained to diagnose and perform surgery on the facial skeleton, jaw, mouth, and surrounding structures. Their role goes beyond what general dentists or doctors can do, as they handle complex surgical procedures that often require both medical and dental expertise. 

These surgeons are responsible for restoring function, improving appearance, and ensuring proper alignment of facial bones and teeth. You might visit one if your dentist or physician suspects a deeper structural issue that can’t be treated with standard care. 

From planning surgeries to working alongside orthodontists or ENT specialists, maxillofacial surgeons play a key role in multidisciplinary teams. Their work is essential in both emergency situations, such as facial trauma, and planned procedures, like reconstructive surgery or jaw corrections. 

Conditions Treated by Maxillofacial Surgeons

Maxillofacial surgeons manage a broad array of intricate facial and oral health issues, frequently requiring surgical precision. Their expertise encompasses both medical and aesthetic concerns in these delicate areas, ranging from traumatic injuries to congenital conditions.

Facial trauma and fractures

Maxillofacial surgeons are often the go-to specialists for treating facial injuries caused by car accidents, falls, sports injuries, or physical assaults. These injuries can involve broken bones in the face, such as the jaw (mandible), cheekbones (zygomatic bones), eye sockets (orbits), or nasal bones. 

Because the face contains many delicate structures—nerves, blood vessels, and muscles—these injuries can affect a person’s ability to speak, eat, breathe, or see properly. 

Maxillofacial surgeons use their advanced surgical training to realign bones, repair soft tissues, and minimize scarring. Their goal is to restore both function and appearance, helping patients return to normal life with confidence. 

In emergency settings, they often work alongside trauma teams to quickly assess and manage facial fractures. Additionally, because of their specialization in both dentistry and medicine, they are particularly equipped to treat injuries where accuracy and beauty are equally crucial.

Jaw misalignment and TMJ disorders

Maxillofacial surgeons are trained to diagnose and correct structural issues in the jaw that affect how it functions and aligns. 

One common condition is jaw misalignment, or malocclusion, where the upper and lower jaws don’t line up properly. This can cause problems with chewing, speaking, and even breathing, especially during sleep. In severe cases, corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, may be needed to reposition the jaw for better balance and function. 

Another issue these surgeons treat is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The TMJ connects your jaw to your skull and allows it to move. When this joint is irritated or misaligned, it can lead to pain, stiffness, locking, or clicking sounds when you open your mouth. These symptoms can significantly affect daily activities. 

Wisdom teeth and impacted teeth

One of the most common reasons people are referred to a maxillofacial surgeon is for the removal of wisdom teeth, especially when they are impacted. Impacted teeth are those that fail to fully erupt through the gums, usually due to lack of space or because they are growing at an angle. This can lead to pain, swelling, infections, or even damage to neighboring teeth. 

While some wisdom tooth removals are straightforward, impacted teeth often require a more complex surgical approach. Maxillofacial surgeons are trained to handle these cases with precision, ensuring that the surrounding nerves, bones, and tissues are protected during the procedure. 

They can also manage any complications, such as cysts or infections, that may be associated with impacted teeth. These operations are usually outside the purview of general dentistry due to the surgical skill required, particularly when teeth are deeply embedded or close to important structures.

Cysts, tumors, and oral cancer

It can be concerning to find a lump, swelling, or strange change in your mouth or jaw; in these situations, a maxillofacial surgeon is frequently called upon. These specialists are trained to diagnose and treat abnormal growths like cysts, tumors, and even oral cancer. 

Cysts and tumors might sound scary, but not all are cancerous. Some are benign and simply need to be removed to prevent discomfort or damage. Others, like oral cancers, are more serious and require quick, expert care. 

Maxillofacial surgeons not only perform the necessary surgeries to remove these growths but also work closely with other doctors to plan your full treatment if cancer is involved. Their goal is to get rid of the problem while preserving how your face looks and functions. Although it’s delicate work in a delicate area, these surgeons are prepared to handle it with care and precision because of their special training.

How to Become a Maxillofacial Surgeon

Becoming a maxillofacial surgeon isn’t a quick path. It takes years of focused study and hands-on surgical training to master this highly specialized field. Let’s take a look at what it takes to earn that title.

Education requirements

Becoming a maxillofacial surgeon involves a long and challenging educational journey, spanning from 10 to 14 years. Here’s a typical path to entering this specialized field:

• Bachelor’s degree: Most aspiring surgeons start with a bachelor’s degree, usually in a science-related area like biology, chemistry, or health sciences. This foundational education prepares students for the demanding coursework ahead.
• Dental school: After earning their bachelor’s degree, candidates attend dental school to earn a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) degree. Dental school usually lasts four years and covers everything from oral anatomy to clinical dental practice.
• Medical school (required in some programs): In some countries or programs, maxillofacial surgeons also complete medical school to earn an MD degree. This additional training gives them a broader understanding of general medicine, which is especially important for managing complex surgical cases involving the face and neck.

Training and certification

After finishing dental and sometimes medical school, the real hands-on learning begins with a surgical residency that usually lasts between four and six years. During this time, aspiring maxillofacial surgeons dive deep into hospital rotations, gaining experience in operating rooms, emergency departments, and outpatient clinics. 

They learn to manage a wide range of cases—from facial trauma and reconstructive surgery to complex tooth extractions and anesthesia. This intense training helps them build the surgical skills and medical knowledge needed to treat patients safely and confidently.

Along the way, residents also study for important exams that lead to board certification. In the U.S., for example, the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) certifies surgeons who have demonstrated their expertise through written and oral tests. 

Passing these exams shows that a surgeon meets high professional standards and is qualified to provide specialized care. Licensing exams are also required to legally practice. Together, this training and certification process ensures that maxillofacial surgeons are well-prepared to handle the complex demands of their profession.

Benefits of Becoming a Maxillofacial Surgeon

Though the journey to becoming a maxillofacial surgeon is long and challenging, the rewards—both professionally and personally—make the effort truly worthwhile for those passionate about this unique field.

Job outlook

The demand for maxillofacial surgeons remains steady, driven by the ongoing need for specialized facial and dental surgical care. About 1,500 new jobs are expected to be filled by 2029.

These specialists find opportunities across various settings, including private dental practices, hospitals, and academic or research institutions. The places with the highest concentration of maxillofacial surgeons are doctor offices, medical and surgical hospitals, and outpatient care centers.

In private practice, surgeons often enjoy greater autonomy and flexible schedules, while hospital and academic roles may involve treating more complex or emergency cases. 

Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, oral and maxillofacial surgeons earn a mean annual wage of $334,310. The lowest 10% earned approximately $88,060, while the top 25% earned $212,300 or more. 

Salaries, however, can vary based on factors such as geographic location, years of experience, and the type of practice setting. Surgeons working in private dental offices tend to earn higher wages compared to those in hospitals or outpatient care centers. 

In addition to that, pursuing subspecialties or advanced certifications can lead to increased earning potential. Overall, the profession offers a lucrative career path for those dedicated to the extensive education and training required.

Conclusion

Maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely skilled specialists who bridge the worlds of medicine and dentistry, treating everything from facial trauma and jaw disorders to complex oral surgeries. The road to this rewarding career is long but filled with purpose, impact, and opportunity. With strong job prospects, high earning potential, and the ability to make a real difference in patients’ lives, it’s a path worth pursuing. 

At AUAMED, we’re here to support your journey every step of the way. If you’re passionate about helping others and fascinated by surgical care, apply today and take your first step toward becoming a maxillofacial surgeon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a dentist and a maxillofacial surgeon?

A dentist handles routine oral care like cleanings, fillings, and minor procedures, while a maxillofacial surgeon performs complex surgical treatments involving the face, jaw, and mouth.

Is maxillofacial covered by insurance?

Yes, many maxillofacial procedures are covered by insurance, especially when deemed medically necessary.