Maxillofacial surgery (known formally as Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) is a highly specialised field providing advanced surgical care for conditions involving the jaw, mouth, face and neck. It ranges from minor oral procedures like dental extractions to life-changing reconstructive surgeries for post-traumatic facial deformities and malignant disease. With Elledge Surgical, patients benefit from world-class expertise and innovative techniques delivered by one of Birmingham’s leading specialists in Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, Mr Ross Elledge.

What is Maxillofacial Surgery and Why is it Used?

Maxillofacial surgery combines medicine and dentistry, and is carried out by highly-trained surgeons with both medical and dental qualifications. It covers the diagnosis, surgical management and rehabilitation of a broad range of conditions that affect the facial skeleton and surrounding tissues. It includes both corrective and reconstructive procedures, and is incredibly unique in its versatility and scope. Common reasons for treatment can include:

• Repair of facial trauma – Maxillofacial surgeons deal with the full remit of maxillofacial trauma, restoring the appearance and function of the face after accidents or injury. This can involve fixing broken jawbones, cheekbones or eye sockets, and addressing the surrounding soft tissues as needed.
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders – When people suffer from debilitating jaw joint issues, maxillofacial surgery can offer minimally invasive procedures as well as full replacements. Both arthroscopy and arthrocentesis are commonly used to reduce pain and restore natural movement, but surgery can include open arthroplasty and even total alloplastic joint replacement of the TMJ.
• Diagnosing and treating facial pain – Patients with constant pain that isn’t responding to over-the-counter medications may benefit from Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery expertise. Whether it’s pain relating to the trigeminal neuralgia, dental pain or a host of other pathologies, professional diagnostics and treatment can completely transform your quality of life.
• Oral surgery procedures – The removal of impacted teeth is a common part of Maxillofacial Surgery, and surgeons work closely with colleagues in Restorative Dentistry and Orthodontics to support patients where required, planning alignment or removal of ectopic teeth, as well as implant-supported prosthodontic rehabilitation. Dental problems can cause debilitating pain, including recurrent infections from impacted wisdom teeth as a common example. Surgery can alleviate this and restore quality of life from something as simple as removal or coronectomy of difficult teeth that dentists may be reluctant to touch.
• Management of skin cancers – Maxillofacial surgeons are also trained to remove complex tumours, including skin cancers, especially in high-risk areas, like close to the eyelid or involving the nose. As well as removing tumours, they can provide reconstruction surgery and scar revision surgery if needed.

How Does the Remit Differ from General Dentists?

While both maxillofacial surgeons and general dentists work in oral health, the depth of training and range of treatments offered are very different. Typically, dentists focus on routine oral assessments, preventative care and minor procedures like fillings, cleanings, and basic extractions. Specialists in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery by contrast have the knowledge, skill and experience to perform complex and life-changing procedures. Key differences include:

• Training – Maxillofacial surgeons have extensive qualifications in both the dental and medical fields, followed by hospital-based surgical training.
• Scope – General dentists manage teeth and some oral tissues, whereas maxillofacial surgeons treat the entire facial skeleton, soft tissues and related structures.
• Procedures – Dentists may extract teeth and manage basic infections, but maxillofacial specialists perform more complicated surgery covering a wide range of issues.
• Collaboration – Maxillofacial surgeons often work in multidisciplinary teams with ENT surgeons, dermatologists, plastic surgeons and oncologists (among many others) to deliver comprehensive care.

Maxillofacial Surgery at Elledge Surgical

Elledge Surgical in Birmingham, led by Mr Ross Elledge, is widely recognised for the range of maxillofacial services available. Mr Elledge combines decades of experience, state-of-the-art surgical techniques and a patient-centred approach to ensure each treatment plan is bespoke, prioritising both the physical and emotional well-being of patients.

Before surgery is recommended, a thorough consultation will assess both the complexity of your condition as well as your medical history, lifestyle and goals. Patients at Elledge Surgical benefit from a comprehensive range of jaw and facial surgery.

It’s not just the level of skill that sets Elledge Surgical apart; it’s the care that extends beyond the operating theatre. You will receive a detailed consultation to help you make informed decisions about treatment, clear aftercare guidance and ongoing postoperative support to improve your recovery. Patients frequently provide testimonials that highlight the quality of care provided, from their initial enquiry through every stage of their recovery.

FAQs About Maxillofacial Surgery

We often get asked the same questions about Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, including:

Who Should see a Maxillofacial Specialist?

Anyone experiencing dental issues, facial pain, temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms, deformity secondary to facial trauma, jaw cysts or other oral lumps should consider consultation. Speaking to an expert as soon as you notice an issue often leads to simpler solutions and better prognosis across most issues.

What is Recovery Like?

Recovery varies depending on the type of procedure required, from a few days for simple extractions to several weeks or longer for TMJ surgeries. You will receive all of the information you need about recovery, including wound care, pain relief, nutrition, oral hygiene and follow-up appointments, and shouldn’t hesitate to ask any questions you have.

Does Maxillofacial Surgery Hurt?

There isn’t a straightforward answer to this question, and the overall experience will depend on factors such as the type of surgery required and the oral or maxillofacial surgeon you use. If required, procedures will be performed under general anaesthesia and suitable pain relief is provided during recovery. While some discomfort is expected, expert care helps to keep pain minimal, and most patients are surprised by how manageable recovery can be.

Will Surgery Leave Scarring?

Modern surgical techniques focus on achieving the best possible functional and cosmetic results. For instance, for open TMJ surgery, the incisions will mimic facelift incisions to minimise scarring. Most patients find scarring is minimal or virtually invisible. Similarly, in his skin cancer practice, Mr Elledge has spent many years perfecting reconstructive techniques for his patients, translating into consistently high satisfaction scores and positive feedback for cosmetic results.

Do I Need a Referral?

It isn’t uncommon for people to be referred by dentists or GPs, but anyone needing expert advice for jaw, mouth or facial health can reach out directly to a maxillofacial surgeon for an independent consultation.

How Soon Can I Return to Work or Normal Activities?

The recovery period will depend on the complexity of the procedure, but it’s recommended that most people rest for several days after surgery, even if it’s a day surgery. Guidelines on driving, physical activity, and returning to work are typically provided by the surgical team.

Will I Need Follow-Up Appointments?

Most maxillofacial procedures require post-surgical reviews to assess progress, remove stitches, and begin any required physiotherapy. Regular follow-up appointments ensure any complications are detected early and your recovery remains on track.

Contact Elledge Surgical today

Exploring maxillofacial surgery can feel overwhelming, but choosing the right specialist can make a huge difference. Elledge Surgical offers leading expertise, genuine compassion, and a long record of positive outcomes, providing a reliable option for maxillofacial surgery in Birmingham. For expert advice from a recognised maxillofacial specialist, contact Mr Elledge today. You can call +44(0)203 326 3827, email enquiries@elledgesurgical.com or use the online form to book a consultation.