Oral, Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the surgical specialty that addresses the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, jaw, and face, from impacted wisdom teeth and jaw fractures to bone grafting for implants and corrective jaw surgery.
- At DentAkademi, this specialty is led by Assoc. Prof. Ahmet Ferhat Mısır, who performs the full range of procedures within the specialty including orthognathic surgery, zygomatic and subperiosteal implants, and complex jaw reconstruction.
- Procedures range from single-session tooth extractions to multi-stage treatments such as orthognathic surgery, which involves pre-surgical orthodontics, surgery, and post-surgical finishing.
- Most procedures are carried out under local anaesthesia. General anaesthesia is available and used for complex or lengthy cases, and for patients who prefer it.
- A detailed pre-surgical assessment, including 3D CBCT imaging where indicated, is conducted before any surgical plan is confirmed. The right procedure for the right patient is determined by the clinical findings, not by what the patient arrives requesting.
- Recovery varies significantly by procedure, from a few days after a simple extraction to several months after orthognathic surgery. Your surgeon will give you realistic timelines before any commitment is made.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery deals with the surgical treatment of the structures that make up the jaw, mouth, and face. It covers procedures from the straightforward, such as surgical tooth extraction, to the complex, such as jaw repositioning surgery and facial trauma reconstruction. The common thread is that these are conditions where surgery is the appropriate clinical response, and where the outcome significantly affects how a patient chews, breathes, speaks, or looks.
The specialty sits at the intersection of dentistry and medicine. Its practitioners are qualified in both, which is why this branch handles not only dental surgical problems but also jaw injuries, facial bone fractures, tumours and cysts of the jaw, and conditions that affect the airway. Procedures range from single-session interventions performed under local anaesthesia to complex, staged treatments that unfold over months in coordination with orthodontists, prosthodontists, and other specialists.
This page explains what the specialty covers, when surgical treatment is indicated, what the assessment and planning process involves, and what patients can expect across the main procedure types.
What Does Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Cover?
The specialty addresses both functional and structural conditions of the jaw and facial region. The range is broad because the structures involved, teeth, jawbones, the temporomandibular joint, facial bones, soft tissue, and the nerves and blood vessels associated with all of them, are all within scope.
🦷 Impacted and Difficult Extractions
Removal of teeth that cannot be extracted by conventional means, including impacted wisdom teeth, buried roots, and teeth associated with pathology. Surgical extraction involves controlled bone removal to access the tooth safely.
🦴 Bone Grafting and Sinus Lift
Rebuilding bone volume in areas where it has resorbed or is insufficient for implant placement. Includes ridge augmentation, sinus lift surgery, and onlay grafting using synthetic, allograft, or autograft materials.
🔧 Dental Implant Surgery
Placement of standard, zygomatic, and subperiosteal implants. Complex implant cases involving significant bone loss, angled positioning, or full-arch restoration are managed within the maxillofacial surgical team.
🫁 Orthognathic (Jaw Alignment) Surgery
Repositioning of the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to correct bite problems, jaw asymmetry, sleep apnea related to jaw position, and skeletal discrepancies that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone.
😬 TMJ Disorders
Surgical and minimally invasive management of temporomandibular joint problems, including joint lavage (arthrocentesis), disc repositioning, and in selected cases, joint surgery to reduce pain, clicking, and restricted movement.
💥 Facial Trauma and Jaw Fractures
Surgical stabilisation of fractures of the upper and lower jaw, zygomatic bone, and orbital rim following accidents, falls, or direct trauma. Associated injuries including TMJ damage are also evaluated and managed.
🔬 Cysts and Tumours
Removal of cysts and benign tumours affecting the jawbone and oral soft tissues. Early evaluation is important to confirm the nature of any lesion and to prevent spread or destruction of surrounding bone.
🤐 Chin Surgery (Genioplasty)
Repositioning of the chin bone to improve lower facial proportion, often performed alongside orthognathic jaw surgery. Uses the patient's own bone rather than an implant, producing a natural result.
When Is Surgical Treatment Indicated?
Surgery is considered when a condition cannot be adequately managed by non-surgical means, or when the clinical findings confirm that a surgical approach will produce a better long-term outcome. The range of indications is wide because the specialty covers very different types of problems.
| Condition | Why surgery is needed | Common procedures |
|---|---|---|
| Impacted wisdom teeth | Cannot erupt normally; can cause infection, cyst formation, or damage to adjacent teeth | Surgical extraction under local anaesthesia or sedation |
| Jaw misalignment and bite problems | Skeletal discrepancy affecting chewing, breathing, and facial proportion that braces cannot correct | Orthognathic surgery (upper jaw, lower jaw, or both) |
| Jaw fracture from trauma | Broken bone must be stabilised to restore function and prevent malunion | Fracture fixation with titanium plates and screws |
| Insufficient bone for implants | Implants require adequate bone volume; without it they cannot integrate reliably | Bone grafting, sinus lift, ridge augmentation |
| Severe upper jaw bone loss | Too little jawbone remains for standard implants or All-on-4 | Zygomatic implants anchored in the cheekbone |
| Jaw or oral cyst | Untreated cysts expand and can destroy surrounding bone and teeth | Cyst enucleation or marsupialisation, with follow-up imaging |
| TMJ dysfunction | Persistent pain, restricted movement, or clicking not responding to conservative management | Arthrocentesis (joint lavage), disc repositioning, or open joint surgery |
| Facial asymmetry or deformity | Structural imbalance affecting both appearance and function | Bone reshaping, reconstructive surgery, genioplasty |
| Sleep apnea (jaw-related) | Narrow airway caused by lower jaw position; advancing the jaw opens the airway | Maxillomandibular advancement surgery |
Before Any Decision: The Assessment
No surgical procedure at DentAkademi is confirmed before a proper clinical assessment has been carried out. For most procedures within this specialty, that assessment includes a clinical examination, appropriate X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging, and a review of the patient's general health and medical history.
The CBCT scan, a three-dimensional cone beam CT of the relevant area, is used for any case involving the jawbone in three dimensions: implant planning, orthognathic surgery, zygomatic implant positioning, bone grafting assessment, or cyst and tumour evaluation. It shows what conventional X-rays cannot and makes the difference between planning that is accurate and planning that is approximate.
International patients can provide existing imaging for initial remote review before travelling. If the images are of sufficient quality and recency, surgical planning can begin before the first Istanbul visit. For cases where imaging needs to be repeated or is not yet available, the CBCT and clinical assessment take place on the first day in Istanbul. No surgical commitment is made before the assessment is complete.
Assoc. Prof. Ahmet Ferhat Mısır, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
"What I find patients find most surprising about this specialty is the range. They come in expecting to discuss one thing, and they discover the same surgical team handles everything from a difficult wisdom tooth to a jaw repositioning surgery to zygomatic implants in a patient who was told they had no bone left.
The specialty is broad by design. The mouth, jaw, and face are interconnected systems. A problem in one area affects the others. When someone has severe bone loss in the upper jaw that makes conventional implants impossible, the solution isn't just a different type of implant. It's understanding why the bone is gone, whether there are other structural issues that need addressing, and whether a single procedure or a staged approach is the right choice.
What I always emphasise to patients, particularly international patients who have sometimes seen multiple clinics before reaching us, is this: come with your question, not with your solution. Tell me what's wrong and what's affecting your daily life. Let the assessment tell us what procedure is actually appropriate. Patients who arrive having decided what they need, based on something they've read online, sometimes need a conversation that redirects them, and that conversation is part of the consultation, not an obstacle to it."
Assoc. Prof. Ahmet Ferhat Mısır, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, DentAkademi
How the Procedures Are Performed
Anaesthesia
The choice of anaesthesia depends on the procedure, its duration, and the patient's preference. Local anaesthesia is used for most single-tooth extractions, minor surgical procedures, and implant placements. IV sedation is available alongside local anaesthesia for patients who are anxious or for procedures that take longer. General anaesthesia is used for orthognathic surgery, complex reconstructive procedures, and for patients who elect to be fully asleep. All anaesthesia at DentAkademi is administered and monitored by an anaesthesiology team.
Incisions and access
Maxillofacial surgical procedures are performed through incisions made inside the mouth where possible, avoiding external facial scarring. Exceptions include certain trauma repairs and reconstructive procedures where access requires an external approach, but the goal of minimising visible scarring is central to surgical planning in all cases.
Imaging guidance
For procedures involving precise bone work, surgical guides and intraoperative imaging are used to ensure accuracy. Implant placement uses digital planning and, for complex cases, computer-generated surgical templates that specify the exact position and angle of each implant before the first incision is made.
Closure and dressings
Incisions are closed with sutures, which may be dissolvable or require removal at a follow-up appointment depending on the site and procedure. Dressings or protective plates may be used in specific cases to support healing of the surgical area.
What to Expect After Surgery
Immediately after
Some swelling, bruising, and mild bleeding at the surgical site are expected in the first 24 to 72 hours following most maxillofacial procedures. Cold compresses in the first 24 hours help limit swelling. Prescribed pain medication manages discomfort, the level of which varies considerably by procedure. A liquid or soft diet is standard for the first few days after any procedure involving the jawbone or surrounding tissue.
The first week
Swelling typically peaks at 48 to 72 hours and then begins to reduce. Bruising may spread and discolour before fading. Most patients are able to manage basic daily activities by day 3 to 5 after minor to moderate procedures. For more involved surgery, this timeline extends accordingly and is discussed specifically before the procedure takes place.
Oral hygiene during recovery
Keeping the surgical area as clean as possible, without disturbing the healing tissue, is important for reducing infection risk. Gentle rinsing with a diluted antiseptic solution or warm saline, as instructed, supports healing without disrupting the blood clot or sutures. Careful brushing of the unaffected teeth continues as normal. Specific instructions for the surgical site are provided in writing before the patient leaves the clinic.
When to contact the surgical team
Contact DentAkademi promptly if you experience increasing pain after the first 72 hours (rather than decreasing), significant swelling that is not reducing by day 4 or 5, fever, unusual discharge from the surgical site, or sutures that have opened. Most post-operative concerns are manageable with early contact, waiting for them to worsen is not advisable.
Recovery Timelines by Procedure Type
| Procedure type | Return to basic activity | Full recovery / bone healing |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical tooth extraction (wisdom tooth) | 3 to 7 days | 2 to 4 weeks for soft tissue; bone remodelling over several months |
| Bone grafting (minor) | 5 to 7 days | 3 to 6 months for graft consolidation before implant placement |
| Sinus lift | 5 to 10 days | 4 to 6 months before implant placement |
| Dental implant placement | 2 to 5 days | 3 to 6 months for osseointegration |
| Zygomatic implants | 7 to 10 days | 3 to 6 months for integration with cheekbone |
| Cyst or tumour removal (minor) | 5 to 10 days | Varies by size and location; follow-up imaging confirms bone response |
| Orthognathic surgery | 10 to 14 days | 3 to 6 months for bone healing; full treatment 18 to 36 months including orthodontics |
| Genioplasty | 7 to 10 days | 2 to 4 months for bone consolidation |
| Jaw fracture repair | 7 to 14 days | 6 to 12 weeks for bone union; soft diet throughout |
On Risks and Informed Consent
"Every surgical procedure has risks, and my responsibility is to make sure every patient understands them before they consent to treatment, not in a way designed to alarm them, but in a way that gives them the information they need to make a real decision.
The risk that comes up most in oral and maxillofacial surgery is nerve involvement. In lower jaw work, the inferior alveolar nerve, which runs through the lower jaw, can be close to the surgical field. Temporary altered sensation in the chin, lower lip, or teeth is common after some procedures. In most cases it resolves. In a small number, some permanent change in sensation remains. That is a risk worth understanding clearly before surgery, not a complication to mention only if it happens.
Other risks, infection, bleeding, delayed healing, are present in all surgery. They are managed through patient selection, proper technique, and appropriate aftercare. The conversation about risks is part of the consultation, not a formality at the end of it."
Assoc. Prof. Ahmet Ferhat Mısır, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, DentAkademi
Surgical Risks: What Patients Should Know
All surgical procedures carry potential risks, and the risks specific to oral and maxillofacial surgery depend on which procedure is being performed and the patient's individual anatomy and health. The following are the most relevant general risks across the specialty:
- Nerve involvement, temporary or, in rare cases, permanent changes in sensation in the lips, chin, or cheeks. Most common in lower jaw procedures and zygomatic implant surgery. Discussed and documented in informed consent before every relevant procedure.
- Infection, managed with prophylactic antibiotics where indicated and appropriate wound care. Early contact with the surgical team if signs of infection develop is important.
- Bleeding, controlled during surgery and managed with post-operative instructions. Certain medications and health conditions can affect bleeding; these are reviewed at the pre-surgical assessment.
- Swelling and bruising, expected with most maxillofacial procedures; managed with cold compress, head elevation, and time.
- Incomplete healing or delayed recovery, more common in smokers and patients with certain systemic conditions. Risk reduction through appropriate patient selection and, where relevant, cessation of smoking before surgery.
- Need for additional procedures, in some cases a single procedure does not achieve the final result in one stage; staged planning is discussed in advance where applicable.
DentAkademi by the Numbers
Want to discuss a specific condition or procedure with our surgical team before making any decisions? Get in touch, we'll arrange a consultation and give you a clear picture of what's involved.
Contact Our Surgical TeamPractical Considerations for International Patients
How do I know which procedure I need before I travel?
In many cases, you can send us existing X-rays or CBCT scans for initial review before any travel is booked. Our surgical team will give you an honest assessment of what the imaging shows and what procedure is indicated, including whether the imaging needs updating. If further imaging is needed, it is taken on the first day of your Istanbul visit before any surgical planning is confirmed.
How long do I need to stay in Istanbul?
This varies considerably by procedure. A surgical wisdom tooth extraction under local anaesthesia may take a single day. A bone graft requires 5 to 7 days to allow post-operative monitoring before you fly. Orthognathic surgery requires 10 to 14 days. Your coordinator will provide a specific itinerary for your procedure type before any travel arrangements are made.
Can I combine multiple procedures in one trip?
Often yes, depending on clinical appropriateness. Many patients combine implant consultations, bone grafting, extractions, and other work in a single Istanbul visit. Whether combination is advisable for your specific case is confirmed during treatment planning. Some procedures require recovery before the next stage can begin, which affects timing.
What happens if I need urgent care after returning home?
We provide every patient with written post-operative instructions and a direct contact route to the surgical team. For complications that cannot be managed remotely, we work with the patient to arrange care, either through a return visit to Istanbul or through a local provider using the clinical documentation we supply. We take responsibility for our work and remain reachable after you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
Oral and maxillofacial surgery at DentAkademi covers the full range of surgical conditions affecting the teeth, jawbone, and facial structures, from impacted wisdom teeth and bone grafting for implants to corrective jaw surgery, facial trauma, and zygomatic implant treatment for patients with severe bone loss. The same surgical team handles both straightforward single-appointment procedures and complex staged treatments involving multiple specialties.
Every surgical decision begins with a proper assessment. No procedure is confirmed before the clinical findings, imaging, and patient health have been reviewed. The goal is not to perform surgery, but to identify whether surgery is the appropriate response to the clinical problem and, if so, which surgical approach gives the patient the best long-term outcome.
For international patients, the consultation process can begin remotely with existing imaging. Travel to Istanbul is structured around the specific procedure required, with timelines ranging from a single day for a simple extraction to 10 to 14 days for orthognathic surgery. The surgical team coordinates with your local dental and medical team throughout.
Speak Directly With Our Surgical Team
Whether you're managing a specific condition, have been told you need surgery, or are trying to understand your options after being turned away elsewhere, contact our team. We'll review your information and give you a clear, honest answer about what is appropriate for your case.
Contact Our Surgical Team
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