Specialty guide
Oral Surgery Services
A patient guide to oral and maxillofacial surgery: what oral surgeons treat, the most common procedures, and how to find a qualified specialist near you.
What are oral surgery services?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery treats conditions of the mouth, jaws, teeth, and face. Procedures range from routine wisdom-teeth removal to complex reconstructive jaw surgery and trauma repair.
Common oral surgery procedures
Tooth extractions
Surgical removal of damaged, infected, or crowded teeth that can't be addressed with routine extraction. Often required when a tooth is fractured below the gum line or extensively decayed.
Wisdom teeth removal
Removal of impacted or partially erupted third molars to prevent crowding, infection, cysts, or damage to neighboring teeth. One of the most common oral surgery procedures.
Dental implants
Surgical placement of titanium posts into the jawbone to support replacement teeth. May include bone grafting or sinus lifts when bone volume is insufficient.
Jaw and facial surgery
Corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery realigns the upper and lower jaws to fix bite problems, sleep apnea, and facial asymmetry. Oral surgeons also treat facial trauma and TMJ disorders.
Oral surgeon vs general dentist
General dentists handle preventive care, fillings, and many straightforward extractions. Oral surgeons complete additional residency training and handle complex extractions, implants, jaw surgery, and oral pathology. Your general dentist will refer you when a case is beyond routine care.
How to find an oral surgeon near you
Browse oral surgeon near me for local listings. Every result is anchored to a federal NPI record. Always confirm active license status with your state dental board — see how to check a dental license.
Licensed oral surgeons
Source: CMS NPPES (National Provider Identifier registry) · public U.S. government data. Verify license status with the state dental board before booking.
Before you book: what to check
Look for board certification
Prefer an OMFS certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for surgical procedures.
Ask about sedation options
Confirm the practice offers the anesthesia you need (local, IV sedation, general) and who administers it.
Get a written treatment plan
For implants, wisdom teeth, or jaw surgery, ask for itemized costs and an insurance pre-authorization.
For patients
Find local dental offices near you
For dentists
Grow your dental practice
Frequently asked questions
What are oral surgery services?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery covers procedures on the mouth, jaws, and face — including tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, jaw realignment, and treatment of facial trauma or oral pathology.
What's the difference between an oral surgeon and a general dentist?
General dentists handle routine care and many simple extractions. Oral surgeons complete four to six additional years of hospital-based residency and handle complex extractions, implants, jaw surgery, and pathology.
Is oral surgery covered by insurance?
Medically necessary procedures (impacted wisdom teeth, jaw surgery, biopsies) are often partially covered by dental and sometimes medical insurance. Cosmetic procedures usually are not. Always confirm coverage before scheduling.
How do I find an oral surgeon near me?
Use our directory of licensed oral surgeons or ask your general dentist for a referral. See oral surgeons near me for local listings.