Oral surgery, also known as maxillofacial surgery, is special surgery which involves the diagnosis and treatment of injuries or diseases around the facial region. It can cover many aspects of surgery or dentistry, including Wisdom Teeth removal, jaw re-alignment and the removal of tumours or cysts. If a person has been in an accident, or the victim of assault, then oral surgery may be needed to correct or repair the damage.

Dental specialists in oral surgery have not only gone through the four years of dental school, but then also at least another four years at a surgical hospital. Dr Lance West has been a practicing oral surgeon in Auckland since 1987. After graduating BDS at the University of Otago in 1976, Lance trained in Oral Surgery at the Royal London Hospital and the Royal Dental Hospital in London. As a part-time Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with the Auckland District Health Board, he is highly experienced in treating facial injuries such as jaw fractures and damage to other facial bones.

“Dr Lance West is New Zealand’s foremost Oral surgeon.”

Oral surgery can be life-changing for those who have suffered their entire life with disfigurement or birth deformities. Cleft palates, or harelips, can be fixed through oral surgery, and the effect on the patient can be incredible. Facial deformities, more so than other parts of the body, can be socially awkward or embarrassing. Corrective oral surgery can restore a persons confidence and bring a new lease of life to the patient.

If you’ve found that regular dentistry has only taken you so far, then maybe you need to consider oral surgery. If you’d like to know more, or have any specific questions, then please feel free to give us a call. Our helpful, friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have.