At Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our board-certified surgeons provide a wide range of oral surgery procedures — from routine tooth extractions to complex facial reconstruction.

While many people are familiar with wisdom teeth removal — an estimated 10 million wisdom teeth are removed annually in the U.S. — oral surgery encompasses much more.

The Future of Oral Surgery is Here

Today’s oral surgery landscape features minimally invasive procedures, digital imaging technologies and computer-guided surgery that offer precise and predictable outcomes.

Artificial intelligence now assists with surgical planning and diagnostics, while 3D imaging provides detailed visualization of oral structures for safer, more accurate procedures. These innovations mean patients can expect shorter recovery times, reduced discomfort and superior aesthetic results.

Advanced sedation monitoring systems and regenerative techniques using tissue engineering and stem cell therapy are also revolutionizing how we approach complex oral conditions, offering new hope for patients with challenging cases.

Highly Trained Specialists in Surgery and Anesthesia

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS) are the only dental specialists formally trained in a hospital-based residency program — typically four to six years. During this time, they rotate through departments such as anesthesiology, general surgery, internal medicine, ENT and emergency medicine. 

This advanced training equips them to handle delicate procedures involving the mouth, face, jaws and neck, while also safely administering and monitoring anesthesia.

At Northwest Oral, we commonly use IV sedation to ensure comfort and relaxation during procedures. Your safety is our top priority from start to finish.

Common Types of Oral Surgery Performed by OMS

Here’s a closer look at some of the most common — and some of the most specialized — procedures oral surgeons perform.

1. Tooth Extractions

Tooth extraction remains one of the most frequently performed oral surgeries. Reasons for removal can include:

• Advanced gum disease
• Severe decay
• Dental trauma
• Impacted or overcrowded teeth
• Preparation for orthodontics or dentures

While some extractions are straightforward, others — especially involving impacted teeth — may require surgical intervention.

2. Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth (third molars) usually emerge between ages 17 and 25. In many cases, there isn’t enough room in the mouth, or the teeth grow in at an angle, leading to:

• Pain or swelling
• Gum infection
• Tooth decay or damage to adjacent teeth
• Cysts or other growths
  
  

When any of these issues occur, removal is typically recommended.

3. Dental Implants

Dental implants are a highly effective and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Surgically placed in the jawbone, implants provide a strong, stable foundation for crowns, bridges or dentures — and they help preserve bone structure by mimicking the function of natural tooth roots.

Thanks to their advanced training, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely qualified to perform implant procedures, even for patients with complex anatomical challenges or bone loss. Using 3D imaging and digital surgical guides, our team can place implants with exceptional precision, improving both function and aesthetics.

Treatment timelines vary based on individual needs, but the long-term success and natural feel of implants make them a preferred choice for many patients.

4. Surgery for Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can seriously impact health and quality of life. While many patients find relief using CPAP machines or oral appliances, others with more severe cases may need surgery to:

• Reposition the jaw
• Remove soft tissue obstruction 
• Expand the airway

An evaluation with an OMS can help determine whether surgical treatment is appropriate.

5. Facial Trauma Repair

Trauma to the face — due to accidents, sports injuries or violence — can involve soft tissue damage, jaw fractures or broken facial bones. Oral surgeons are part of the team that treats these complex injuries, often collaborating with ENT, plastic surgery and ophthalmology specialists to restore both function and appearance.

6. Bone Grafting

When bone loss occurs in the jaw due to injury, periodontal disease or long-term tooth loss, a bone graft may be needed. This can rebuild the jaw in preparation for dental implants or correct congenital and post-surgical defects.

7. Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)

Some patients suffer from misaligned jaws that affect chewing, speech or breathing. Corrective jaw surgery can address:

• Overbite or underbite 
• Open bite 
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking 
• Sleep apnea 

Orthognathic surgery repositions the jaw to restore normal function and appearance.

8. TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Surgery

TMJ disorders can cause:

• Jaw pain 
• Clicking or locking of the jaw 
• Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth 

When conservative treatments fail, oral surgeons may recommend joint repair or replacement, depending on the severity of the dysfunction.

9. Oral, Head and Neck Pathology

Oral surgeons are trained to detect and treat abnormal growths or lesions in the mouth, jaw and neck. These may include:

• Benign tumors 
• Precancerous lesions 
• Oral cancers 

Early diagnosis and surgical intervention can be critical for optimal outcomes. Some complex cases may be referred to OMS with fellowship training in oncology.

10. Apicoectomy (Root-End Surgery)

If a root canal fails or a tooth’s root is abnormally curved, a standard procedure may not be effective. An apicoectomy involves surgically removing the tip of the tooth root and sealing it to prevent reinfection.

11. Periodontal (Gum) Surgery

For patients with advanced gum disease, surgical treatment may be necessary. This involves:

• Flap surgery to clean deep infection below the gums 
• Reshaping or rebuilding bone and soft tissue 
• Stabilizing teeth and preventing future damage 

OMS may perform this in conjunction with other periodontal treatments.

12. Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery

Cleft conditions are typically treated in stages. During childhood, early repairs are done by a multidisciplinary team. Once facial growth is complete, an OMS may perform orthognathic surgery to align the jaws and improve function.

Trusted Oral Surgery Experts Serving North Houston and Huntsville

With six convenient locations in Spring, The Woodlands, Conroe, Montgomery and Huntsville, Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is proud to serve patients across the North Houston area. Whether you’ve been referred by your dentist or are seeking a second opinion, our team is here to help.

From simple extractions to complex facial surgery, we deliver compassionate care backed by extensive surgical training and the latest technology.

If you’re experiencing pain, planning for dental implants or in need of expert evaluation, contact one of our offices today to schedule a consultation with a board-certified oral surgeon.