The phrase oral maxillofacial surgeon definition in Walnut Creek CA refers to what a specialist does, how they train, and why patients near Walnut Creek should see one for certain problems. This post explains the oral maxillofacial surgeon definition and what it means for local patients — from routine wisdom tooth removal to complex full-arch implants and facial trauma care.
What the oral maxillofacial surgeon definition in Walnut Creek CA actually means
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a dental specialist who treats diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth, jaws, face, and related structures. Training begins with a dental degree (DDS or DMD) followed by a multi-year hospital-based residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Many surgeons earn board certification and additional anesthesia credentials. Their scope includes both dental and facial surgery — more extensive than a general dentist, and focused specifically on the oral and facial region unlike other medical surgeons. This makes them experts in complex extractions, implants, jaw surgery, facial trauma, and surgical management of oral disease.
Common procedures an oral maxillofacial surgeon performs
– Wisdom tooth removal: Surgical extraction of impacted or problematic third molars. Usually outpatient under local or IV sedation. – Dental implants: Placement of single implants, multiple implants, and full-arch restorations like All-on-X. Procedures may be same-day or staged. – Zygomatic implants: Longer implants anchored in the cheekbone for patients with severe upper jaw bone loss. – Bone grafting: Rebuilding jaw bone using grafts to support implants. Surgical and outpatient depending on complexity. – Facial trauma repair: Fixing broken jaws, cheekbones, and facial lacerations. Often urgent and hospital-based. – Pathology removal: Biopsy and removal of cysts, tumors, and other oral lesions. May require lab testing and follow-up. – Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic): Realigning jaws to correct bite problems and improve function. Major surgery with hospital support.
How surgeons diagnose and plan treatment
Surgeons use advanced imaging and digital tools to plan care precisely. Cone-beam CT (CBCT) provides 3D views of bone, teeth, and sinuses. Intraoral 3D scanners capture detailed digital impressions. CAD/CAM software and 3D printing let teams design and produce surgical guides, temporary teeth, and models. Guided-surgery planning maps exact implant placement on a computer before surgery, improving accuracy. These tools reduce surprises during treatment, lower complication risk, and speed recovery.
When you should see an oral maxillofacial surgeon
See a surgeon for: impacted wisdom teeth, missing teeth needing implants, severe jaw pain or bite misalignment, facial injury (broken bones or deep cuts), suspicious oral lesions, and complex extractions. Urgent reasons include trauma, severe infection, uncontrolled bleeding, or difficulty breathing. Elective reasons include planned implants, orthognathic surgery, and cosmetic jaw corrections.
What to expect at your consult and during surgery
At a consult you’ll get an exam, medical history review, and imaging. The surgeon will explain options, risks, and timelines. Anesthesia choices range from local with sedation to IV general anesthesia; many practices work with board-certified anesthesiologists for safety. For implant cases, same-day implant placement may be possible when planning and bone conditions allow, often using guided-surgery protocols. Recovery depends on the procedure: simple extractions heal in days, while bone grafts or jaw surgery may need weeks to months. Common risks include swelling, infection, temporary nerve changes, and bleeding; your surgeon will explain how risks are minimized.
How to choose the right oral maxillofacial surgeon near Walnut Creek CA
– Confirm board certification and residency training. – Ask about anesthesia credentials and whether a board-certified anesthesiologist is available. – Check experience with advanced implant techniques like All-on-X and zygomatic implants. – Verify use of CBCT, 3D scanning, CAD/CAM, and guided-surgery workflows. – Read patient reviews and view before/after photos. – Seek referrals from your dentist or primary care provider. – Ensure clear communication about costs, timelines, and follow-up care.
Why experience and technology matter
Surgeons with extensive implant and surgical experience, using modern digital tools, typically have fewer complications, more precise implant placement, and faster recovery. Technology plus experience improves predictability and overall results.
About Ali Alijanian, DDS — a local option near Walnut Creek CA
Board-certified Dr. Ali Alijanian completed a four-year residency at Alameda Health System and has over 24 years of surgical experience. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology, and a Fellow of the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. His Walnut Creek practice offers on-site CBCT, 3D intraoral scanning, CAD/CAM design, an in-house dental lab, guided-surgery protocols, and expertise in All-on-X and zygomatic implants. Dr. Alijanian leads training programs and has performed thousands of complex implant and surgical cases.
Questions to ask at your first visit
– Are you board-certified? – How many times have you done this specific procedure? – What imaging will you use for my case? – Who provides and monitors anesthesia? Is an anesthesiologist available? – Will you use guided surgery or 3D planning? – What are the risks and expected recovery time? – Is same-day implant placement possible for me? – Can I see before-and-after photos and patient reviews? – What is a realistic cost estimate and payment options?
Closing summary and next steps
Understanding the oral maxillofacial surgeon definition in Walnut Creek CA helps you choose the right specialist for complex dental and facial problems. These surgeons combine advanced training, hospital-based experience, and modern digital tools to deliver safe, predictable care. If you have impacted teeth, missing teeth that need implants, jaw pain, facial trauma, or a suspicious oral lesion, schedule a consult with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to review your options and get a clear treatment plan.
