“What kind of doctor performs jaw surgery?”

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons have the most extensive training in complex jaw alignment surgery.

Thank you very much for your question!

A board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon would be the best doctor to see for jaw alignment surgery!

Regards,

Jim Bates, DDS, MD, FACS

Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) is usually performed by a Maxillofacial surgeon. However, there are 2 other surgeons (ENT, Plastics) that can perform the needed jaw surgery because we all receive and perform the same training in residency, and our license, depending on the state, allows us to perform the same surgeries regardless of location on the body. The main difference in the 3 specialities are as follows and what we do the most:
-Maxillofacial - bone, tooth, and soft tissue of the head and sometimes neck, usually above the angle of the mandible.
-Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) - bones of nose and soft tissue of throat and neck, usually below the angle of the mandible.
-Plastics - Soft tissue anywhere on the body and occasionally bones of the face. Note: most specialize in what they are good at (i.e., facelifts, rhinoplasty, tummy tucks, breast and breast lifts, cancer)

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. They are uniquely positioned to coordinate your care with orthodontists for the optimal outcome.

An Orthodontist or Dentist.

Jaw surgery is performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Surgery is usually done under general anesthesia.