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About the Experts
This article is reviewed by:
- Dr. Aniruddha Basu – Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Peerless Hospital, Fortis Hospital and Kidney Institute, RSV Hospital Kolkata
- Dr. Debdita Banerjee – Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist, Assistant Professor, Kusum Devi Sunderlal Sugar Jain Dental College, Kolkata
Introduction
Maxillofacial surgery encompasses a range of surgical procedures addressing jaw, facial bones, teeth, and oral tissues. From correcting severe bite problems to reconstructing facial trauma, these surgeries improve both function and appearance. Approximately 10% of the population has jaw misalignment significant enough to benefit from surgical correction.[1] While the thought of surgery can be anxiety-inducing, modern techniques, advanced imaging, and experienced surgeons make maxillofacial procedures safe and effective. This comprehensive guide explains common procedures, when they’re needed, expected outcomes, and costs so you can make informed decisions about your oral health.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never self-diagnose or self-medicate based on online content. Please consult a qualified dental professional for proper evaluation, diagnosis, and personalized treatment recommendations.
Understanding Maxillofacial Surgery
What Is Maxillofacial Surgery?
Maxillofacial surgery is a specialty treating diseases, injuries, and defects of the jaw, face, mouth, and neck. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) are dentists with additional 3 years of surgical training. They perform complex procedures ranging from wisdom tooth extraction to facial reconstruction after trauma or cancer.[1]
Common Maxillofacial Surgery Procedures
1. Orthognathic Surgery (Corrective Jaw Surgery)
What It Is: Surgical correction of severe bite problems (overbite, underbite, open bite) that cannot be fixed by braces alone.
When Needed: When jaw misalignment causes chewing difficulties, speech problems, facial imbalance, or sleep apnea. Affects 10% of population.[1]
Procedure: Surgeon moves upper and/or lower jaw into correct position using precise surgical cuts and fixation with plates/screws.
Before/After: Combined with orthodontics: braces 6-12 months before surgery to prepare teeth, then surgery for jaw correction.
Recovery: 6-12 weeks for bone healing, full functional recovery in 3-4 months. High patient satisfaction (90%+).[2]
Benefits: Improved bite, easier chewing, better speech, balanced facial appearance, resolved sleep apnea symptoms.
2. Wisdom Tooth Extraction (Surgical)
Simple Extraction: Tooth easily removed from socket. Cost India: ₹1,500-₹5,000. Recovery: 3-5 days.
Impacted Surgical Extraction: Wisdom tooth embedded in bone/gum (horizontal, vertical, or partial impaction). Cost India: ₹5000-₹12000. Recovery: 1-2 weeks.
When Needed: Severe pain, swelling, infection, crowding, cavity formation, or cyst development.
Procedure: Dentist elevates gum, removes bone around tooth, extracts tooth, and sutures gum closed.
Complications: Rare but possible: dry socket (3.4%), nerve damage (0.4%), infection (2-3%). Managed with antibiotics and follow-up care.
3. Jaw Fracture Repair (Trauma Surgery)
What It Is: Reconstruction of broken jaw bones from accidents, violence, or sports injuries.
Types: Mandibular (lower jaw), maxillary (upper jaw), condylar, or combined fractures.
Treatment: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): surgical realignment and plate/screw fixation. Complication rate: 15%.[1]
Outcomes: ORIF shows better functional results, shorter recovery, and higher patient satisfaction vs closed treatment.
Recovery: Initial healing 6-8 weeks, full bone strength 3-4 months. May require liquid diet initially.
Complications Possible: Malocclusion (10.6%), nerve damage (13.4%), infection. Most managed successfully.
4. Dental Implant & Bone Graft Surgery
When Needed: Missing teeth and insufficient jaw bone to support implants. Bone grafting creates foundation for implants.
Procedure: Bone from donor site (chin, hip, rib) or synthetic material grafted to deficit area. Implant placed 4-6 months after bone maturation.
Success Rate: Implant success rate: 95-98%. Bone graft take rate: 85-95% depending on graft type.[1]
Cost India: Bone graft: ₹7000 – ₹10000 depending on complexity. Implant: ₹30,000-₹1,00,000+
Recovery: Bone graft site heals 10-14 days. Full bone maturation 4-6 months before implant placement.
Benefits: Restored chewing function, improved appearance, prevents further bone loss.
5. Oral Cancer Surgery & Reconstruction
When Needed: Malignant tumors of mouth, tongue, throat, or salivary glands requiring surgical removal.
Procedure: Tumor excision with safety margins to ensure complete cancer removal. May include neck lymph node removal.
Reconstruction: After large removals, tissue from other areas (flap surgery) reconstructs mouth/jaw to restore function and appearance.
Outcomes: 5-year survival rates: 80-90% for stage 1-2 cancers, 30-50% for stage 3-4. Early detection is critical.[1]
Recovery: 2-3 weeks initial healing, 3-6 months for full functional rehabilitation and speech/swallowing recovery.
Quality of Life: Speech therapy and swallowing rehabilitation help restore function. Psychological support often beneficial.
6. Salivary Gland Surgery
When Needed: Parotid or submandibular gland tumors, chronic infection, or stones causing dysfunction and pain.
Types of Tumors: Usually benign (90%), but require removal to prevent complications. Rarely malignant but requires aggressive treatment.
Parotid Surgery: Gland removed while preserving facial nerve. Requires specialized expertise. Recovery: 1-2 weeks.
Submandibular Surgery: Easier approach, lower complication risk than parotid. Recovery: 1 week.
Risk: Facial nerve damage (2-3% risk with parotid), temporary mouth dryness, facial weakness. Most transient.
Outcome: Symptom resolution, prevention of infection/recurrence, cancer prevention (if malignant).
7. Sleep Apnea Surgery (Maxillomandibular Advancement)
When Needed: Moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea unresponsive to CPAP or other conservative treatments.
How It Works: Both upper and lower jaws advanced forward, enlarging airway space and improving oxygen flow during sleep.
Effectiveness: 60-80% success rate for significant apnea improvement or cure. Superior to other surgical approaches for OSA.[1]
Recovery: 4-6 weeks before normal diet, 3-4 months for full recovery. Temporary swelling and facial changes expected.
Benefits: Better sleep quality, improved daytime alertness, reduced cardiovascular stress, lower stroke/MI risk.
Alternative: Combined with other procedures if needed (genioplasty, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty).
Maxillofacial Surgery Costs in India (2025)
| Procedure | Approximate Cost (₹) |
| Wisdom Tooth – Simple Extraction | ₹3000 – ₹5,000 |
| Wisdom Tooth – Surgical/Impacted | ₹6,000 – ₹12000 |
| Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw) | ₹1,50,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
| Jaw Fracture Repair (ORIF) | ₹75,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
| Bone Graft Surgery | ₹7,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Dental Implant Placement | ₹30,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Oral Cancer Surgery & Reconstruction | ₹2,00,000 – ₹10,00,000+ |
Note: Costs vary by complexity, surgeon expertise, hospital type (private vs. government), and location (metro vs. non-metro). Insurance may cover some procedures.
FAQs: Your Common Questions
Q: Is maxillofacial surgery safe?
A: Yes. Modern techniques, imaging, anesthesia, and trained surgeons make these procedures very safe. Complication rates range from 0.4% (simple extraction) to 15% (complex trauma). Most complications are minor and treatable.[1]
Q: How long is recovery after orthognathic surgery?
A: Initial healing: 6-12 weeks. Return to normal diet: 8-12 weeks. Full functional recovery: 3-4 months. Swelling peaks at 48-72 hours, then gradually improves.[2]
Q: Will I need time off work after surgery?
A: Simple extraction: 1-2 days. Surgical extraction: 2-3 days. Jaw surgery: 7-10 days minimum, often 2-3 weeks recommended. Professional jobs may need longer.
Q: What are risks of wisdom tooth extraction?
A: Dry socket (3.4%), nerve damage (0.4%), infection (2-3%), prolonged swelling (rare). Serious complications are uncommon when performed by qualified surgeon.[1]
Q: Can insurance cover maxillofacial surgery?
A: Varies by policy and procedure. Medically necessary procedures (fracture repair, cancer surgery, sleep apnea treatment) often covered. Cosmetic-only procedures typically not covered. Check your specific policy.
Conclusion
Maxillofacial surgery addresses a wide range of conditions from routine wisdom tooth extraction to complex facial reconstruction. Modern surgical techniques, advanced imaging (3D CT, CBCT), computer planning, and experienced surgeons ensure safe outcomes with high patient satisfaction. Whether you need orthognathic surgery for bite correction, trauma reconstruction, cancer removal, or other procedures, informed decision-making is essential. Consultation with an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon provides personalized treatment plans, realistic expectations, and answers to your specific concerns. Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if needed. Quality of life improvements following these surgeries often far exceed initial surgery anxiety. Your oral and facial health are worth the investment.
References
[1] A Narrative Review of Present Knowledge and Digital Approaches in Orthognathic Surgery. (2024). Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 82(9), 1523-1540. Approximately 10% population with jaw anomalies. Digital planning reduces costs and improves outcomes. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11638821/
[2] Assessment of Patient Satisfaction and Functional Outcomes in Orthognathic Surgery. (2024). International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 53(1), 24-31. Prospective 50-patient study showing 90%+ satisfaction with orthognathic surgery outcomes. Functional improvements in chewing and speech significant. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11001073/
[3] Treatment Outcome and Long-Term Stability of Orthognathic Surgery for Facial Asymmetry: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. (2024). American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 165(1), 45-62. Orthognathic surgery provides stable skeletal correction with 87-93% PAR score improvement in bite alignment. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10973727/
[4] Long-Term Effects of Orthognathic Surgery on Masticatory Function. (2024). Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 82(12), 1689-1702. Bite force increases 34% post-operatively, with masticatory efficiency improvement of 53% by 12 months. Functional recovery substantial. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11650278/
[5] Management of Mandibular Fractures at High-Volume Surgical Centers. (2025). Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 36(2), 234-245. Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) gold standard. Complication rate 13.4%, malocclusion requiring correction 10.6%. Infection most common complication. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12470641/
[6] Management and Outcomes of Mandibular Fractures in Tertiary Care. (2024). Journal of Academy of Medical Sciences, 7(4), 1392-1396. Surgical management shows statistically significant better outcomes in occlusion, healing time, and patient satisfaction vs conservative treatment. https://academicmed.org/Uploads/Volume7Issue4/264.%205751.%20JAMP_SK%20Jerry_1392-1396.pdf
[7] Occlusal Changes During Orthognathic Therapy Using Customized Lingual Appliances. (2025). Clinical Oral Investigations, 29(1), 12-24. Combined orthodontic-orthognathic treatment achieves 95.2% improvement in bite alignment for Class II and 97.77% for Class III patients. High treatment predictability. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12031849/
[8] A Review of Using Clear Aligners in Orthognathic Surgery Cases. (2025). Dental Materials Journal, 44(3), 234-251. Clear aligners increasingly used post-orthognathic surgery, improving periodontal health and patient satisfaction vs fixed appliances. Treatment time reduced. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12500242/
[9] Panfacial Fractures: Sequencing of Repair. (2024). AO Foundation Surgery Reference. Comprehensive treatment algorithm for complex facial trauma. Anatomic reduction of maxilla as guide for mandibular restoration provides most accurate results. https://surgeryreference.aofoundation.org/cmf/trauma/midface/further-reading/panfacial-fractures-sequencing-of-repair
[10] Is Surgery First Approach Viable in Orthognathic Treatment? (2025). Journal of Dental Research, 104(5), 456-471. Surgery-first approach (SFA) allows immediate jaw correction before orthodontics, reducing total treatment time by 6-12 months. Equally stable outcomes. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12156840/
[11] Understanding Wisdom Teeth Extraction Costs in Mumbai. (2025). The Braces Point. Simple extraction ₹1,500-₹5,000. Surgical/impacted ₹5,000-₹20,000. CBCT ₹500-₹3,000. Consultation ₹300-₹1,000. https://www.thebracespoint.com/wisdom-teeth-extraction-cost-mumbai/
[12] Wisdom Tooth Removal in Bangalore – Cost, Pain & Recovery. (2025). Dental Sanctuary. Simple extraction ₹900-₹2,500. Surgical ₹6,500-₹8,000. CBCT ₹500-₹1,500. Recovery 3-5 days. https://www.dentalsanctuary.in/blog/wisdom-tooth-removal-in-bangalore-cost-pain-recovery-tips