Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Hackensack Meridian Health

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Hackensack Meridian Health provides expert oral and maxillofacial surgery across New Jersey, offering advanced care for facial trauma, jaw disorders, and dental restoration. Patients in North, Central, and South Jersey can access nationally recognized surgeons close to home. As New Jersey’s #1 ranked health network by U.S. News & World Report, we combine surgical precision, innovation, and compassionate care to achieve the best outcomes for every patient.

When you need oral or facial surgery, you deserve expert care from a compassionate team. The board-certified and board-eligible oral surgeons at Hackensack Meridian Health provide leading-edge surgical care at convenient locations throughout New Jersey, including Hackensack, North Bergen and Ridgefield, and our Academic Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery practices at Hackensack University Medical Center and JFK University Medical Center.

With over 100 years of combined experience, the team specializes in a full range of oral and maxillofacial procedures, from wisdom tooth removal and dental implants to complex jaw surgery, facial cleft surgery and facial trauma reconstruction. Backed by the Hackensack Meridian Health network, the team ensures every patient receives advanced, high-quality care in a safe and comfortable setting.

Our Oral and Maxillofacial Team

Our multilingual team is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Our surgical assistants are certified in advanced cardiac life support and adhere to strict safety standards. Our business staff helps navigate insurance and scheduling to make your experience as seamless as possible.

Conditions and Procedures We Treat

Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform a full range of procedures, including:

Wisdom Teeth Removal – Gentle, precise extractions to relieve pain and prevent infection.
Dental Implants – Permanent, natural-looking replacements that restore function and appearance.
Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery – Corrects misalignment, improves bite, and enhances facial balance.
Facial Trauma Surgery – Reconstruction for fractures, soft tissue injuries, and complex trauma.
Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery – Repair and restoration of congenital facial differences.
TMJ Disorder Treatment – Personalized care for jaw pain, clicking, or limited motion.
Bone Grafting and Sinus Lifts – Prepares the jaw for successful dental implant placement.

Comprehensive Oral and Maxillofacial Services

Our skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeons have more than 100 years of combined clinical experience and provide advanced surgical treatments, including:

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth can cause pain, crowding, or infection. Our specialists offer gentle, expert extraction to prevent future dental complications.

Frequently asked questions:

How long will it take to recover from wisdom tooth surgery?

No two 3rd molar surgeries are alike. With that being said, the normal adolescent recovery for 4 wisdom teeth should be within 7 days, adults, depending on age can be longer.

Will I get swollen and for how long?

Most often there will be some degree of swelling and it is variable. It should begin to resolve by the 3rd day.

Will I be able to eat?

Yes, you can eat, chewing may be difficult for the 1st 2 days but is usually manageable.

Dental Implants

We can replace missing teeth with long-lasting, natural-looking dental implants that restore your smile and improve function.

Frequently asked questions:

Are dental implants expensive?

While there are numerous options when considering dental implants, the cost is manageable and we invite you to discuss this with us to explore your options.

Are all dental implants the same?

No. There are over 300 dental implant manufacturers. You want to avoid the many companies producing “knockoff” implants for a fraction of the cost of a high quality implant.

Can I get teeth in one day?

That is possible, but only for a small number of cases. Generally treatment can range from one day to as long as six months depending on many variables.

Facial Cleft Surgery

Facial cleft surgery is a specialized procedure that corrects congenital facial clefts, such as cleft lip and palate. These birth differences occur when tissues in the face don't join completely during fetal development. Surgery aims to restore normal facial structure and function, improving speech, feeding, hearing, and breathing, as well as addressing the aesthetic aspects of the cleft. The timing and type of surgery depend on the individual's specific needs and the severity of the cleft. Our team of experienced craniofacial surgeons utilizes the latest techniques and technologies to provide comprehensive care, from initial diagnosis through post-operative support, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)

We can correct misaligned jaws to improve function, bite alignment and facial balance. Our team works closely with orthodontists for comprehensive treatment planning.

Frequently asked questions:

How do I know if I need jaw surgery?

Those who have a poor facial profile and/or gross malocclusion (poor bite – gross overbite or underbite) usually need jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery.

If I need jaw surgery do I always need braces?

Yes, most often. The goal of jaw surgery is to obtain the best possible result, and all aspects of treatment must be coordinated and optimized.

If I have jaw surgery, how long will it take to recover?

Most patients are 75 percent recovered in one week and 90 percent recovered in two weeks. Recovery time varies depending on the patient’s age and specific surgery required.

Facial Trauma Surgery

As part of the Level II Trauma Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, our surgeons provide expert care for fractured jaws, broken facial bones and soft tissue injuries.

Frequently asked questions:

How do I know if I have a jaw fracture?

The degree and intensity of jaw fracture symptoms can vary. Generally, your bite will be disrupted and you will have some degree of localized pain and swelling.

Will my jaw fracture heal on its own?

Generally, no, and the longer it remains untreated (not stabilized) the greater your chances of developing a deep bone infection.

Do I need to have my jaw wired together if it breaks?

The treatment for any bone fracture is positioning (reduction of fracture) and stabilization of the bony segments. One of the most important aspects of treating a jaw fracture is the “bite”. In many cases, the most efficient treatment is to fixate (wire) the jaws together and restore the patient to their original bite.

TMJ Disorder Treatment

Relieve jaw pain, clicking and discomfort caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders with customized treatment plans, including nonsurgical and surgical options.

Frequently asked questions:

Do I have TMJ?

Everyone has a temporomandibular joint (a right and a left) but not everyone has temporomandibular joint symptoms. Your TMJ is the joint that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to your head or temple bone.

How do I know if I have TMJ symptoms?

TMJ pain includes a wide range of facial pain symptoms, ranging from headaches to the inability to move or function with your lower jaw.

Who do I go to if I have TMJ problems?

There is no recognized specialist in TMJ diagnosis or treatment. It is best to start with your regular dentist and if symptoms persist, the most trained specialist in diagnosis and treatment of these symptoms is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Bone Grafting & Sinus Lifts

For patients needing dental implants but lacking sufficient bone, we offer advanced bone grafting and sinus lift procedures to rebuild jawbone strength.

Frequently asked questions:

Does every patient who gets implants need bone grafting?

No, not always. While some patients need extra bone to support the implant, others may already have enough. It depends on your individual needs and the type of final tooth replacement you want.

Do I have to use cadaver bone?

No, but in many cases, it’s the best option. For smaller bone grafts needed to properly place an implant, cadaver bone is commonly used because it’s safe, effective and provides the best results. However, there may be other options depending on your situation.

Is cadaver bone safe?

Yes, as long as a reputable biomaterial company is the supplier. We only use the most recognized corporate name in orthopedic/implant/bone surgery.

Sleep Apnea Surgery

Oral Pathology & Biopsies

We diagnose and treat oral lesions, cysts, and tumors, providing early detection and intervention for serious conditions.

Frequently asked questions:

How do I know if I need a biopsy?

You may need a biopsy if you have a lump, sore, or abnormal tissue in your mouth that isn’t healing within a week. If you're unsure, it's best to see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for an evaluation.

Can I have a problem without any pain?

Yes. Some oral and dental issues develop so slowly that you may not notice any symptoms for months or even years. Pain isn’t always the first sign of a problem.

How long does a cyst grow in my jaw?

Cysts in the jaw can grow slowly over many years. Some are related to tooth development, while others form for different reasons. Over time, they can enlarge and cause issues, which is why regular dental checkups are important.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are dental implants painful or expensive?

How is TMJ disorder treated?

How long does it take to recover from wisdom tooth surgery?

Find an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

If you need oral surgery, trust the experts at Hackensack Meridian Health. Find a surgeon today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward better oral health.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Locations

See our three locations where we offer expert oral surgery care.

Why Choose Us for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?

At Hackensack Meridian Health, we go beyond surgery – we provide personalized care, a seamless patient experience, and:

Expertise you can trust: Our team includes board-certified oral surgeons, ensuring you receive the highest level of expertise.
Advanced anesthesia and pain management: From local anesthesia to IV sedation and general anesthesia, we ensure maximum comfort and safe pain control.
A patient-centered approach: We know time and convenience are important to you. Our multilingual staff prioritizes timely appointments, including emergency care.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your first appointment will include:

A comprehensive exam and discussion of your medical history
Any necessary diagnostic imaging (X-rays, scans)
A detailed treatment plan with procedure explanations, benefits, and risks
Coordination with your dentist, orthodontist, or primary care doctor, if needed

Our knowledgeable staff will also assist with insurance and financing options to ensure a smooth experience.

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