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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Services

Introduction and Overview

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Services at Nottingham Road Clinic provide specialist assessment and management of conditions affecting the mouth, jaws, face and related structures. This surgical specialty sits at the interface between medicine, dentistry and surgery, addressing conditions that can significantly affect function, appearance, comfort and overall quality of life.

Disorders within the oral and maxillofacial region may present with pain, swelling, infection, altered sensation or functional impairment involving chewing, swallowing, speech or jaw movement. Some conditions are benign and self-limiting, while others require prompt investigation to exclude infection, nerve involvement or malignancy. Accurate specialist assessment is essential to ensure appropriate treatment and timely referral where required.

The service is consultant led and delivered by clinicians with specialist training in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Care is provided within a structured, evidence-based clinical framework, supported by access to diagnostic imaging, pathology and multidisciplinary expertise. The focus is on safe diagnosis, proportionate intervention and clear communication with patients and referrers.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Services adopt a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, recognising the close relationship between oral health, general medical conditions and psychological wellbeing. Where necessary, care is coordinated with NHS surgical services to support advanced investigation or operative management.

Introduction and Overview

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Services at Nottingham Road Clinic provide specialist assessment and management of conditions affecting the mouth, jaws, face and related structures. This surgical specialty sits at the interface between medicine, dentistry and surgery, addressing conditions that can significantly affect function, appearance, comfort and overall quality of life.

Disorders within the oral and maxillofacial region may present with pain, swelling, infection, altered sensation or functional impairment involving chewing, swallowing, speech or jaw movement. Some conditions are benign and self-limiting, while others require prompt investigation to exclude infection, nerve involvement or malignancy. Accurate specialist assessment is essential to ensure appropriate treatment and timely referral where required.

The service is consultant led and delivered by clinicians with specialist training in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Care is provided within a structured, evidence-based clinical framework, supported by access to diagnostic imaging, pathology and multidisciplinary expertise. The focus is on safe diagnosis, proportionate intervention and clear communication with patients and referrers.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Services adopt a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, recognising the close relationship between oral health, general medical conditions and psychological wellbeing. Where necessary, care is coordinated with NHS surgical services to support advanced investigation or operative management.

Who the Service Is For

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Services are suitable for adults requiring specialist assessment of oral, facial or jaw-related symptoms that extend beyond the scope of routine dental or primary care management.

Typical presentations include facial pain or swelling, jaw dysfunction, oral lesions, impacted or diseased teeth associated with complex pathology, temporomandibular joint symptoms and nerve-related facial pain or sensory change. Patients may also be referred following abnormal imaging or biopsy findings that require specialist interpretation.

Specialist input is particularly important where symptoms are persistent, progressive, associated with neurological features or where there is concern regarding infection, structural abnormality or malignancy. Referrals are also appropriate where complex decision-making is required regarding surgical versus conservative management.

The service supports both self-pay and insured patients. Referrers include GPs, dentists, oral health practitioners and other specialists seeking diagnostic clarification, management planning or onward referral through appropriate pathways.

Conditions Assessed and Managed

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Services assess and manage a wide range of conditions affecting the oral cavity, jaws and facial structures.

Facial pain and jaw disorders
Patients may present with jaw pain, clicking, restricted movement or facial discomfort related to temporomandibular joint disorders, muscular dysfunction or nerve involvement.

Oral lesions and soft tissue conditions
Assessment of oral ulcers, swellings, mucosal changes or persistent lesions is undertaken to differentiate benign, inflammatory and potentially malignant conditions.

Dental and dentoalveolar pathology
Complex dental infections, impacted teeth, cystic lesions and jaw pathology requiring surgical opinion are assessed with a view to appropriate intervention or referral.

Facial swellings and infection
Acute or chronic facial swelling may indicate abscess formation, salivary gland disease or other pathology requiring specialist input.

Nerve-related facial symptoms
Altered sensation, numbness or neuropathic pain involving the face or oral cavity require careful evaluation to identify underlying causes.

Red-flag features
Persistent oral ulcers, unexplained lumps, rapidly enlarging swellings, unexplained bleeding, weight loss or sensory change are prioritised for prompt investigation and onward referral.

Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic Approach

Assessment begins with detailed history taking, focusing on symptom onset, duration, progression and associated functional impact. Relevant dental history, previous treatments, medical comorbidities and medication use are reviewed.

Physical examination includes inspection and palpation of the oral cavity, face and neck, assessment of jaw movement and evaluation of cranial nerve function where indicated. Examinations are performed sensitively and in line with clinical best practice.

Diagnostic pathways are aligned with UK standards. Investigations may include imaging such as panoramic radiography, CT or MRI, blood tests where infection or systemic disease is suspected, and biopsy of lesions when required. Investigations are requested judiciously to support diagnosis and management planning.

Clinical reasoning integrates history, examination and investigation findings to guide appropriate treatment, reassurance or referral.

Treatments, Procedures and Management Pathways

Management is individualised and evidence based, taking into account diagnosis, symptom severity, patient preference and overall health status.

Conservative and medical management
Many conditions are managed with observation, medication, physiotherapy guidance or supportive measures where surgery is not indicated.

Minor surgical and interventional pathways
Where appropriate, referral for surgical intervention is arranged through established pathways. Decisions are guided by clinical necessity, risk assessment and expected benefit.

Monitoring and follow-up
Follow-up appointments support review of symptom progression, treatment response and early identification of complications.

Escalation and referral
Patients requiring advanced surgical care, complex procedures or cancer management are referred promptly through NHS oral and maxillofacial or head and neck services.

Multidisciplinary Working and Onward Referral

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Services work closely with diagnostic imaging, pathology and dental services to support accurate assessment.

Collaboration with pain management, physiotherapy and mental health services may be appropriate, particularly for chronic facial pain or functional disorders.

Primary care and dental practitioners play an important role in ongoing monitoring and shared care. Where necessary, referral to NHS surgical, oncology or specialist dental services is coordinated to ensure timely and integrated care.

What Patients Can Expect from an Appointment

Appointments are structured to allow comprehensive assessment in a private and respectful environment. Patients are encouraged to bring any relevant dental records, imaging reports or referral letters.

During the consultation, symptoms and concerns are explored fully, followed by examination and discussion of findings. Investigation or management options are explained clearly, with time for questions.

A personalised care plan is developed, outlining recommended treatment, follow-up arrangements and any onward referrals. Written correspondence is shared with the referrer and GP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all oral or facial problems require surgery
No. Many conditions can be managed conservatively. Surgery is considered only where clinically indicated.

Are oral lesions always cancerous
Most oral lesions are benign, but assessment is important to exclude serious causes.

Can jaw pain be related to stress or muscle tension
Yes. Temporomandibular disorders often have multifactorial causes, including muscle tension and stress.

Will I need imaging or biopsy
Investigations are recommended only when they are needed to clarify diagnosis or guide management.

Do you work with NHS maxillofacial services
Yes. Care is coordinated with NHS services where specialist surgery or oncology input is required.
Is referral from a dentist required
Referrals are accepted from both medical and dental professionals, as well as through specialist pathways.

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