This is the surgical specialty which looks after problems with the mouth, jaw and face. It is part of our Head and Neck Centre. You might hear it called ‘OMFS’ or ‘maxfac’. We are a specialist provider of this surgery for our region.
Our surgeons are experts who can help if you need surgery to fix:
- a problem with your jawbone
- a problem with your teeth or gums (including taking teeth out)
- a bad dental infection or abscess in the mouth
- a missing tooth or a tooth which is damaged or decayed
- any injury or trauma to the mouth or face.
- any abnormality to the mouth or face that you were born with.
We do a lot of surgery to help people if they have a cancer affecting the mouth, head or neck. This includes free flap surgery. This is where we use tissue from another part of your body, or from a donor, to repair complex defects.
Our surgeons work closely with our ENT teams.
To access this service, you will need to go through your GP (or dentist) first. They will refer you to us if they think you need our expert help.
If you have an accident and injure your face, mouth or jaw, our ED team may send you to see us.
When we first see you, we will do a physical examination. We will also talk to you about the reasons you are here and what you hope to get out of any treatment. We may also need to do an X-ray or other tests. This will help us decide if surgery is best for you. We will talk to you about your options in detail and agree on a treatment plan.
A specialist team will look after you. As well as our surgeons, there are lots of other experts who will be involved in your care. This includes:
- Physios and speech and language therapists. They will help you learn to talk, swallow and be able to move your face again after any surgery.
- Psychologists who can help if you need support with your emotional needs. You might want to talk things through before or after surgery.
- Our theatre team if you need surgery and lots of other doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants on our wards.
Where will my treatment take place?
If you do need surgery, this will take place at Sunderland Royal Hospital. You will stay on Ward C33.
Our outpatient clinics also take place in Sunderland as this is where the expert team is based. We may see you in person or talk to you over the phone or via video for your follow up care.
Click here for directions to Sunderland Royal Hospital.
Ward C33 is on C floor.
If you have an outpatient appointment, this will be in Chester Wing. This is also on C floor (Entrance 5).
Where can I find out more?
Our senior team in OMFS
- Divisional Director - Sheena Fish
- Associate Divisional Director - Caroline Bell
- Clinical Director – Miss Helen Cocks
- Directorate Manager – Petrina Smith
- Matron – Carolynne Hardy
