Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Patients see oral and maxillofacial surgeons at the MUHC for many different reasons, including severe infection, broken face bones, jaw pain or complex dental issues.
The services we provide include:
- maxillofacial reconstruction and oral oncology
- dental implants
- temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery
- orthognathic jaw surgery
- oral and maxillofacial pathology
Many of our patients have complex medical needs. This includes people who have had radiation treatment for cancer, organ or bone marrow transplants, or who need bone or soft tissue rebuilt before dental implants can be placed.
The role of OMFS in cancer care
Treatments for oral cancer can affect the mouth and surrounding areas.
At the MUHC, oral and maxillofacial surgeons work closely with the cancer care team before, during, and after treatment.
Our services include primary treatment of oral cancer, reconstructive surgery, and rehabilitation to help restore mouth function.
The role of OMFS in caring for trauma patients
The OMFS service works closely with the trauma team, the intensive care unit, and other hospital teams to care for patients with serious injuries to the head and neck. These injuries can happen after events such as falls, accidents, or violence.
Many patients need surgery to repair or rebuild parts of the face and skull. This can include the eye socket, cheekbones, nose, and the upper or lower jaw. Surgery may also be needed to repair soft tissues such as the skin and muscles of the head and neck.
More about our surgical specialties
Dental implants are small metal posts placed into the jaw. They act as supports for new teeth or other facial restorations.
We use advanced technology, including 3D dental imaging and computer-guided planning, to provide the highest standard of care.
We perform a wide range of procedures on the teeth and jaw, including:
- simple tooth extractions
- removal of impacted wisdom teeth
- treatment of mouth and jaw infections
- surgery to help with dentures or rebuilding the jaw
We also offer surgery to prepare the mouth for dentures or dental implants. These procedures can include:
- reshaping the gum and jaw tissue
- adding bone to the jaw
- other steps to make sure dentures or implants fit well
This type of surgery repositions the upper and lower jaws to improve how they fit together. It is used to help with:
- irregular jaw growth
- severe overbites or underbites
- sleep apnea caused by blocked airways (obstructive sleep apnea)
- TMJ disorders
- trauma-related injuries
Maxillofacial reconstruction can include bone grafting or more complex surgery that transfers bone with its blood supply to rebuild larger areas of bone loss.
