Written by Calvin Bennet · Medically reviewed by Dr. Scott A. Puckett, DDS · Updated September 2026
Oral surgery is a branch of dentistry that treats the mouth, jaw, and face surgically. It covers everything from wisdom-tooth removal and complex extractions to dental implants and corrective jaw surgery — performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
What is oral surgery?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the surgical treatment of the teeth, mouth, jaws, and face. It’s performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) — a dental specialist with extensive additional surgical and hospital training.
Common oral surgery procedures
- Wisdom-tooth removal
- Complex or surgical tooth extractions
- Dental implant placement
- Bone grafting to rebuild the jaw
- Treatment of facial injuries
- Corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery
- Biopsy of suspicious lesions
What to expect
Depending on the procedure, you may have local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will explain the plan and what recovery involves before you begin.
Recovery basics
Swelling, mild discomfort, and a little bleeding are common in the first few days. Ice, soft foods, rest, and carefully following your surgeon’s post-op instructions support healing — see our extraction recovery guide for the details.
When to seek care
Follow your surgeon’s guidance on warning signs — heavy bleeding, worsening pain, fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing warrant a call right away.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an oral surgeon do?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon surgically treats the mouth, jaws, and face — including extractions, implants, jaw surgery, and facial trauma.
Is oral surgery painful?
Anesthesia is used during the procedure. Some soreness and swelling afterward is normal and managed with ice and pain relievers.
How long is recovery from oral surgery?
It varies by procedure — often a few days to a couple of weeks for the initial healing.
Related reading
Medical disclaimer: this article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Talk to your dentist about your specific situation.