maxillofacciali

Maxillofacciali, in English commonly referred to as oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS), is a medical and dental specialty focused on diseases, injuries, and defects of the face, mouth, jaws, and related structures. The term encompasses both dental-alveolar issues and broader facial skeletal and soft tissue problems, addressing function, aesthetics, and quality of life.

The anatomical scope includes the maxilla and mandible, the midface and orbits, the temporomandibular joint, the oral cavity, and adjacent soft tissues. Conditions treated range from traumatic facial fractures and congenital deformities to tumors, infections, degenerative disorders, and reconstruction after cancer resections or major trauma. The field integrates reconstructive and cosmetic approaches and often involves collaboration with dentistry, otolaryngology, oncology, and plastic surgery.

Common procedures cover dentoalveolar surgery (including complex tooth extractions), dental implants and bone grafting, orthognathic surgery to correct jaw misalignment, management of temporomandibular joint disorders, facial fracture repair, cleft lip and palate repair, and reconstructive surgery following trauma or tumor removal. Anesthesia, microsurgery, and advanced imaging and planning play central roles in treatment.

Education and training pathways vary by country but generally require a combined medical and dental background, followed by a dedicated residency or fellowship in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Practitioners work in hospitals or specialized clinics, frequently within multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care across specialties.

Imaging and planning rely on CT, cone-beam CT, MRI, and 3D modeling. The overarching aim is to restore function and appearance while prioritizing patient safety, long-term outcomes, and informed decision-making.