NHS practice · Homerton University Hospital, London GMC 7014473 · GMC Specialist Register: Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery · FRCS (OMFS), Royal College of Surgeons of England

Patient guides

Conditions and procedures

Choose a topic to read what is involved. These guides are general – at your consultation Will explains how each point applies to you, and you will receive written information to take home.

Facial deformity

Corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery

Orthognathic surgery repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw or chin so that the teeth meet properly and the face is better balanced. Will leads the orthognathic service at Homerton, where surgery is planned and carried out jointly with a consultant orthodontist.Facial contouring

Chin & jaw contouring

Genioplasty, jaw reduction and jaw augmentation change the shape and proportions of the chin and jawline. They can be done on their own or alongside corrective jaw surgery.Sleep

Obstructive sleep apnoea

In obstructive sleep apnoea the airway narrows or closes repeatedly during sleep, causing loud snoring, pauses in breathing and daytime sleepiness. Alongside your sleep team, Will offers jaw-based treatments: custom mandibular advancement splints and, for selected patients, jaw advancement surgery.Jaw joint

TMJ (jaw joint) disorders

The temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the skull. Pain, clicking, locking or limited opening are common and most people improve without surgery. Will leads the TMJ service at Homerton, with a particular interest in TMJ arthroscopy.Oral surgery

Wisdom teeth & complex extractions

Wisdom teeth that cannot come through properly (impacted) often cause no problems. When they do cause disease, removing them is usually a short day-case procedure. Dentoalveolar surgery, including wisdom teeth, is one of Will’s subspecialty interests.Skin cancer

Facial skin cancer surgery

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the commonest skin cancers and often appear on the face. Surgical removal is the main treatment and cures most of them.Salivary glands

Salivary gland conditions

Swelling of the cheek or under the jaw, especially at mealtimes, may be caused by a salivary stone or narrowing. Will offers sialendoscopy, a keyhole technique that can often treat the problem while keeping the gland. Most lumps in the parotid gland are benign.Oral medicine

Mouth lumps, ulcers & biopsy

Most patches, ulcers and lumps in the mouth are harmless, but any that do not heal need to be checked. A small biopsy is often the quickest way to a clear diagnosis.Trauma

Facial fractures

Breaks of the lower jaw, cheekbone or eye socket can affect the bite, vision and facial shape. Some heal well without surgery; others need the bones repositioned and fixed.Growth

Distraction osteogenesis

Distraction osteogenesis lengthens bone gradually. A small device is fitted to the jaw and adjusted day by day, so new bone and the surrounding soft tissues grow together.