• Oral Surgery

  • Matthew N. Maxfield, DMD
    Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon

    Dr. Maxfield grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah. He attended the University of Utah for his undergraduate studies in biology. He then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in Louisville, Kentucky, where he graduated magna cum laude in the top of his class. He was accepted into an oral & maxillofacial surgery residency at the VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, where he served as chief resident. His training included extensive experience in the full scope of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery including office and hospital based surgical and anesthesia training.

    Dr. Maxfield has lectured to many groups including the Virgina Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons on current therapies in facial trauma. Dr. Maxfield is fluent in Spanish and has participated in mission trips to Central America. There, he was able to help children who had congenital or aquired facial deformities. Dr. Maxfield is excited to be back in Utah to serve a community that he loves.

  • At Willowbrook Dental Specialists, we know that oral surgery can be an intimidating dental procedure for a patient. That’s why we take extra strides to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Happy patients surrounding Tooele trust the expertise of Dr. Maxfield!

    What is oral surgery?

    Any procedure that involves artificially altering your mouth or jaw is considered oral surgery.

    While general dentists are well qualified to perform certain types of oral surgery, there are more complex procedures that only oral surgeons can undertake. They have gone through four to eight additional years of training after dental school to specialize in oral surgery.

    What are some types of oral surgery procedures?

    Extractions

    Dentists are well equipped to remove many types of teeth. Tooth extractions that are more complicated - like ones involving impacted wisdom teeth - require the expertise of an oral surgeon. Extractions are very common and can be done with general or local anesthesia.

    Dr. Maxfield uses the most modern techniques to ensure that tooth extractions are done as safely and comfortably as possible.

    Wisdom Teeth Removal

    Many people don’t have enough space in their mouths for their third molars. Since these teeth do not emerge until later in life - generally between the ages of 17 and 25 - they are commonly referred to as wisdom teeth.

    It is best to pay attention early on to wisdom teeth to ensure they do not cause overcrowding or pain. Diagnostic radiography - like taking images with X-rays - along with regular dental visits can help keep track of the movement of wisdom teeth to determine if they need to be removed.

    After years of removing wisdom teeth, you can be confident that Dr. Maxfield will pay close attention to your jaw and dental movement. We like to maintain active conversations with our patients regarding the steps that can be taken to ensure their smiles look great, perform optimally, and remain healthy.

    Dental Implants

    Though a dentist or prosthodontist can attach a replacement tooth, an oral surgeon may first need to place the artificial root of the dental implant.

    We pride ourselves on making our patients as comfortable and pain free as possible. In fact, many patients experience either no or very little pain during and after the procedure.

    If you are considering having dental implants placed, Dr. Maxfield is here to review the process and options with you.

    Orthognathic Surgery

    When other treatments do not produce the desired results, orthognathic surgery may be required. This type of surgery involves correcting problems with the jaw and face. Some issues that may be treated with orthognathic surgery include sleep apnea, TMJ disorder, and orthodontic problems.

    Dr. Maxfield works closely with orthodontists and other dental professionals in Tooele, Grantsville, Bingham Canyon, Magna, West Jordan, and surrounding areas to deliver you the best orthognathic services possible.

    Facial Reconstruction

    After an accident, facial reconstruction may be needed to restore form and function. An oral surgeon may also perform facial reconstruction after the removal of certain tissues or teeth.

    Depending on the situation, this type of procedure, and others, may be covered by your insurance carrier. We at Willowbrook Dental Specialists are happy to review possible payment options.

    Orofacial Cleft Surgery

    An orofacial cleft is an opening in the roof of the mouth and/or the lip. This birth defect is commonly referred to as a cleft palate or lip.

    Treatment of an orofacial cleft may involve a number of other professionals in the field. Dr. Maxfield has strong relationships with highly qualified specialists in the area. We aim to connect you with the right people so we can all work together to best address the orofacial cleft.

    Oral Tissue Abnormality Treatment

    Oral surgeons are needed to remove a variety of oral tissue abnormalities including benign cysts, tumors, and cancerous growths.

    Though during your regular dental appointment the dentist will perform a thorough inspection to determine if any abnormal oral tissue is present, it is important that you mention any issues that you may have been experiencing. A variety of oral tissue problems can be signs of more serious issues that may need to be addressed by an oral surgeon.

    If abnormalities are detected the dentist may recommend taking a biopsy of the tissue. An oral surgeon may remove some or all of the tissue in question and have it tested to better diagnose the issue.

    Proper personal oral care and regular dental appointments are a great way to detect and address many oral tissue abnormalities early on. By visiting Willowbrook Dental Specialists regularly we can establish historical records of your oral tissue to help us recognize abnormal changes as they occur.

    How will it feel?

    Willowbrook Dental Specialists provides a wide range of anesthetic options depending on the patient and type of procedure being performed.

    Our patients are made as comfortable as possible with local anesthesia and sedation. We also provide general anesthesia when it is best for the patient to be unconscious during the procedure.

    The safety and comfort of our patients is our highest priority. All options will be discussed in detail prior to treatment to make sure you are as pain free and comfortable as possible throughout the procedure and during recovery.

    How do I know if I need oral surgery?

    The best way to determine if you need to have any oral surgical procedures done is to make an appointment with a dentist.

    A typical dental visit includes a visual examination of your mouth and jaw in which the dentist may be able to determine if oral surgery is needed. X-ray imaging may also be done to inspect potential problems that are not visible on the surface.

    After years Willowbrook Dental Specialists has taken care of patients with all degrees of oral surgery needs ranging from simple and routine to complex and challenging.

    Call us at (435) 882-8800 to schedule a dental appointment to determine if oral surgery is right for you.