What Types of Procedures Does an Oral Surgeon Perform?

When most people think of oral surgery, they often think of wisdom teeth removal. While this is one of the most common procedures an oral surgeon performs, the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery includes much more. Oral surgeons perform procedures involving the teeth, jaws, mouth, facial bones, and related soft
tissues.

At Community Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Milwaukee, WI, we provide specialized surgical care for patients who need treatment for impacted teeth, missing teeth, jaw concerns, oral pathology, facial trauma, and other conditions that affect oral and facial health. Led by Dr. Ruba Khader, our practice combines advanced technology, evidence-based treatment planning, and compassionate care to help patients feel informed and supported throughout their experience.

What Types of Procedures Does an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Perform?

An oral surgeon performs surgical procedures that involve the teeth, gums, jaws, mouth, and surrounding facial structures. These procedures may be recommended when a condition requires specialized training beyond general dental care, such as removing impacted wisdom teeth, placing dental implants, treating facial injuries, performing corrective jaw surgery to treat underlying jaw discrepancies, or evaluating abnormal tissue in the mouth.

Common oral surgery procedures include:

• Wisdom teeth removal
• Tooth extractions
• Dental implant placement
• Bone grafting
• Oral pathology and biopsy
• Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery
• Surgically assisted orthodontics
• Facial trauma treatment
• Platelet rich fibrin procedures
• MRONJ treatment
• Treatment of TMJ disorders

Oral and maxillofacial surgery may be used to treat pain, infection, tooth loss, jaw misalignment, injuries, or concerns that affect a patient’s ability to eat, speak, breathe, sleep, or function comfortably. The right procedure depends on the patient’s diagnosis, health history, anatomy, and long-term treatment goals.

What Procedures Are Considered Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?

Procedures are generally considered oral and maxillofacial surgery when they involve surgical treatment of the teeth, jawbone, oral tissues, or maxillofacial structures. Some procedures are planned in advance, while others may be needed because of pain, infection, injury, or complications from impacted teeth.

At Community Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, oral surgery may include the removal of damaged or impacted teeth, preparation for dental implants, surgical support for orthodontic care, evaluation of oral lesions, or treatment for conditions affecting the jaw and face.

For example, a patient may need oral surgery if a wisdom tooth is trapped under the gums, if a tooth cannot be restored, if bone support is needed before implant placement, or if an abnormal area of tissue requires a biopsy. Oral surgery can also be part of a larger treatment plan involving a general dentist, orthodontist, physician, or other referring provider.

Do Oral Surgeons Remove Wisdom Teeth and Impacted Teeth?

Yes. Oral surgeons are equipped with specialized training and have the most relevant knowledge for addressing wisdom teeth and removing them when appropriate. Wisdom teeth are the third molars that usually develop in the late teens or early adult years. In many cases, there is not enough space for them to erupt properly. When this happens, they may become partially or fully impacted beneath the gums or jawbone.

Impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to several concerns, including:

• Pain or pressure in the back of the mouth
• Swollen or tender gums
• Infection around the tooth
• Damage to nearby teeth
• Cysts or tumors
• Difficulty cleaning the area properly

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth with imaging and determine whether removal is recommended. For patients searching for wisdom teeth removal in Milwaukee, our team focuses on careful planning, patient comfort, and clear instructions before and after treatment.

Do Oral Surgeons Place Dental Implants and Perform Bone Grafting?

Yes. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to place dental implants and perform bone grafting procedures when needed. A dental implant is a small fixture that is placed in the jawbone to support a
replacement tooth, bridge, or denture. Because implant placement involves the jawbone and surrounding oral structures, many patients are referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for this procedure.

Bone grafting may be recommended when the jawbone does not have enough volume or density to properly support an implant. This can happen after tooth loss, trauma, infection, or long-term bone changes. Bone grafting helps rebuild or preserve the jawbone so the area can better support future treatment.

At Community Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we use advanced technology, including 3D CBCT imaging, to support precise diagnosis and treatment planning. This allows Dr. Khader to better evaluate the teeth, bone, nerves, sinuses, and surrounding structures before recommending a personalized care plan.

Are Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Trained to Treat Facial Injuries, Jaw Misalignment, and Other Facial and Jaw Concerns?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive advanced surgical training involving the mouth, jaws, face, and related structures. This is why the specialty includes both oral and maxillofacial care. Oral refers to the mouth, while maxillofacial refers to the jaws, face, and surrounding skeletal structures.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons may treat facial injuries, jaw fractures, bite irregularities, jaw misalignment, facial bone concerns, and other conditions that affect both function and appearance. This training is especially important when treatment involves delicate structures such as the jaw joints, facial bones, nerves, and soft tissues.

One specific surgery that oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in is orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery. This may be recommended when jaw irregularities affect chewing, speaking, breathing, facial balance, or long-term oral function. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons work with orthodontists as part of a coordinated treatment plan for patients who need both orthodontic movement and surgical correction.

For facial trauma, oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat injuries involving the jaw, cheekbones, facial bones, including the orbit, soft tissues, or teeth. These situations require careful attention to both function and appearance, which is why specialized training is so important.

Dr. Ruba Khader is board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and has a strong background in academic, hospital, VA, and private practice settings. Her approach is rooted in scientific evidence, continuous learning, and a commitment to bringing compassionate, innovative surgical care to the Milwaukee community.

What Conditions Can Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Treat?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat a wide range of conditions affecting the teeth, jaws, mouth, and facial structures. Some patients are referred by a dentist or orthodontist, while others seek care because they are experiencing pain, swelling, injury, or concerns about changes in the mouth.

Conditions an oral surgeon may treat include:

• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Severely damaged or infected teeth
• Missing teeth
• Jawbone loss
• Jaw misalignment
• Oral lesions or abnormal tissue changes
• Facial injuries or fractures
• TMJ-related pain or dysfunction
• MRONJ
• Complex surgical needs related to orthodontic treatment

Because these conditions can affect comfort, function, health, and quality of life, an oral surgery consultation is often an important step in understanding the cause of the issue and reviewing treatment options.

What Should Patients Expect Before an Oral Surgery Procedure?

Before an oral surgery procedure, patients typically begin with a consultation. During this visit, the surgeon reviews the patient’s concerns, medical history, medications, imaging, and treatment goals. Additional imaging may be recommended to evaluate the teeth, jawbone, nerves, sinuses, or surrounding structures.

At Community Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we want patients to feel informed and confident before treatment. Depending on the procedure, we may discuss:

• The reason surgery is recommended
• The expected benefits of treatment
• Any risks or special considerations
• Sedation or anesthesia options, when appropriate
• Pre-operative instructions
• Recovery expectations
• Post-operative care instructions
• Coordination with a referring dentist, orthodontist, or physician

Our team works to create a seamless experience from reception to checkout. We believe patients deserve clear communication, thoughtful planning, and care that respects both their clinical needs and personal comfort.

When Should I Schedule a Consultation With an Oral Surgeon?

You should consider scheduling a consultation with an oral surgeon if you have been referred by your dentist, orthodontist, or physician, or if you are experiencing symptoms that may require surgical care.

A consultation may be appropriate if you have:

• Wisdom tooth pain or swelling
• A tooth that needs surgical removal
• Missing teeth and are considering dental implants, including replacement of all teeth
• Bone loss in the jaw
• A jaw alignment concern
• TMJ-related symptoms
• An oral lesion or area of abnormal tissue
• A facial injury
• A complex dental or orthodontic treatment plan

An evaluation does not always mean surgery is needed. It simply allows the oral and maxillofacial surgeon to diagnose the concern, explain your options, and help you make an informed decision.

Why Choose Community Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Milwaukee, WI?

Choosing an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is an important decision. Patients deserve care from a provider who combines surgical training, advanced technology, clear communication, and compassion.

At Community Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Ruba Khader and our team are committed to providing professional, evidence-based care in a warm and comfortable environment. Dr. Khader is board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and has served in academic, hospital, and community-based settings. She is also a Diplomate of the board and has held leadership roles in the oral and maxillofacial surgery community.

Our practice is built around:

• Compassionate and holistic care
• Advanced technology
• Evidence-based treatment planning
• Close partnerships with referring doctors
• A comfortable and professional patient experience
• A commitment to equitable, innovative care
• Care that is customized to each patient’s needs

Whether you need wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, bone grafting, oral pathology evaluation, facial trauma treatment, or another oral surgery procedure, our goal is to help you feel informed, respected, and confident in your care.