Oral & maxillofacial surgery

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery focuses on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of conditions, diseases, and injuries of the teeth, mouth, face, jaw, and neck.

Reasons people visit an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at Bishops Wood Hospital include: 

• Adult Oral Surgery
• Surgical removal of wisdom teeth, buried roots, buried canine teeth, or impacted teeth
• Dental implants
• Facial reconstruction
• Treatment for cysts or tumours of the jaws
• Screening for Oral Cancer
• Biopsy and treatment of lesions of the head and neck, including the lip, mouth, roof of mouth, and tongue
• Management of problems affecting the soft tissue lining of the mouth, such as white patches and mouth ulcers
• Treatment of salivary gland problems and tumours, including stone removal
• Investigation and treatment of sinus problems
• Treatment of facial fractures and lacerations
• Treatment for disorders of the mandible (lower jaw) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
• Single and double jaw surgery (Bimaxillary Osteotomy)
• Investigation and treatment of facial and dental pain
• Surgery to correct dental or facial deformities
• Facial skin surgery
• Bone grafting 

Many types of surgery carried out by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon are highly complex. While many treatments can be provided on-site at Bishops Wood Hospital, others may need to be carried out an external venue. This will always be fully explained to you if this is required. 

Most of the people we see have been referred by their GP, dentist, a consultant in another speciality such as ENT or Dermatology or a maxillofacial specialist from outside the region.  

When you first meet with your Consultant here at Bishops Wood Hospital, they will take a medical history and ask you about your symptoms and any concerns you may have. They will want to know things like: 

• What symptoms do you have?
• When did you first notice these symptoms?
• Do you have any pain in your face, head, or neck?
• Have your symptoms been getting worse?
• Do you have any specific concerns about any of your symptoms?
• Are you currently taking any prescription medication, or receiving treatment?
• Do you have any underlying medical conditions?

They will usually carry out a physical examination of the affected area(s) and may feel your neck to see if your lymph glands are enlarged.

If you have previously had dental X-rays or other imaging, these will be reviewed. You may be referred for further investigations, either for diagnostic purposes or to help plan treatment.

These may include X-ray (of individual teeth or the whole jaw – orthopantomography), CT or an MRI scan. Our proximity to Mount Vernon Hospital (and its renowned Mount Vernon Cancer Centre) provides excellent access to superb facilities and additional diagnostic and treatment options if needed. 

Your clinical history, physical examination, and the results of any tests will be used to confirm a diagnosis and plan appropriate treatment. Your Consultant will talk these through thoroughly with you, answering any questions or concerns you may have. They will make sure you know how any surgery will be done, how it will help you, and the results you should expect to see as a result. 

We see people aged 18+ for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for all Oral and Maxillofacial concerns.

Many treatments can be provided on-site, while others may need to be carried out at an external venue. Any treatment will always be carried out by the Consultant you see at Bishops Wood Hospital.

Ideally positioned for people living in and around Northwood, excellent travel links make it easy for people to visit from other parts of Middlesex and beyond. (For example, we regularly see people from Berkshire and Hampshire.) 

When you visit with us for your private Oral and Maxillofacial appointment, you will benefit from:

• Fast access to a leading expert – Waiting times to see an Oral and Maxillofacial Consultant via the NHS can often be quite long. We can help you avoid long delays in being seen by arranging a private appointment for you with an experienced Consultant.
• Time for you – As a guide, your private appointment will run for around half an hour (exact duration will vary). This provides the opportunity for much more conversation with your Consultant, and you will be able to discuss your symptoms and talk through any questions or concerns you may have without feeling like you’re being hurried out the door as soon as you arrive!
• Flexible appointments – Private appointments are available throughout the week. While most people appreciate coming to the hospital for an in-person appointment, we can provide remote appointments by telephone or video call if required (and where clinically appropriate).
• Consultant-led care – You will always see the same Consultant when you visit and will never have to worry about being treated by a more junior doctor. Your Consultant will oversee every aspect of your care, from initial appointment through to post-treatment follow-up. This ensures excellent continuity of care.
• A wider team – Your Consultant can discuss complex cases with specialists in other fields when required, including ENT surgeons, oncologists, and dermatologists. Quick and easy access to this wider healthcare team ensures you will always benefit from the optimal treatment and highest levels of care.
• Recommended by patients – In an independent survey, 94.1% of the people we treated said they were likely or highly likely to recommend us to their friends and family.
• Location - Bishops Wood Hospital is a 42-bed acute care unit, located within the grounds of Mount Vernon Hospital. We are very easy to travel to, and our on-site car park offers free parking for visitors.

If you are concerned about any symptoms in your teeth, mouth, face, jaw or neck, a private appointment can help give you clarity about the best way forward. Why not contact us today to book your visit?

Your Consultant will investigate the cause(s) of any symptoms or concerns, make a diagnosis, and formulate a treatment plan for you. If surgery is required, such as the removal of an impacted wisdom tooth or a soft tissue biopsy, this will be arranged for you as soon as possible.

We very much look forward to welcoming you to Bishops Wood Hospital and helping you to access the Consultant-led support you need.