Division of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery
The Division of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, part of the Department of Surgery, offer expert patient care, research programs, and education and training programs.
Surgery of the Mouth, Jaw and Face
Your oral and dental health is an important part of your overall health. In some cases, however, you may need surgery to treat oral health problems.
At Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), we offer oral and maxillofacial surgical treatments for the care you need. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialty of dentistry that diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries and defects affecting the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, jaw and lower face. Our surgeons specialize in reconstructive procedures to treat problems with the face, jaw, head and neck.
Conditions We Treat
Our surgeons are experts in treating a variety of conditions of the mouth, jaw, face and neck:
- Benign and malignant tumors
- Congenital issues such as cleft lip and palate
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Pain of the head, neck and face
- Severe infections
- Sleep apnea and snoring: Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes people to stop breathing periodically while they sleep
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders cause pain and inflammation in the jaw joints
- Trauma to the face and neck, including fractures
More About Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Getting a Referral
If you need care from an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, you can get a referral from your primary care provider or dentist. You may get diagnostic services to determine the cause of your symptoms or to plan your treatment.
Inpatient & Outpatient Care Settings in Boston
The Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery provides care on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. Inpatient care and surgery may be performed at BIDMC, and outpatient care is provided in collaboration with Boston University School of Dental Medicine and Boston Medical Center.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Procedures
At BIDMC, we offer a range of oral and maxillofacial services, including:
- Performing cosmetic surgery
- Performing dental implant surgery
- Removing tumors and cysts of the jaw and mouth
- Treating fractures of the jaw, eye socket or nose, and other trauma to the head and neck
- Wisdom teeth removal or performing other complicated tooth extractions
What To Expect Before, During & After Surgery
Knowing what to expect before surgery, during the procedure, and after surgery can help put your mind at ease. Depending on the type of surgery you are having, your surgeon will give you additional instructions to follow. Below you can find general guidelines about what to expect.
You will consult with your surgeon before and after your procedure to make sure you understand pre-surgical and post-operative instructions and care.
Before your surgery, identify a friend or family member who can drive you home after your procedure. You will not be able to drive yourself home.
Surgery can take anywhere from 20 minutes up to two to three hours. You will move to a recovery room after your surgery while the anesthesia wears off. Most oral surgeries are outpatient procedures, so you’ll be able to go home the same day.
You may have some soreness and swelling after surgery. You may be prescribed medicine to keep you comfortable. Depending on the type of surgery, you may be referred for speech therapy.
Meet the Team
Our oral and maxillofacial surgery experts at BIDMC provide expert surgical care for various conditions affecting the mouth, jaw and face.
