A branch of dentistry that treats diseases and abnormalities of the maxillofacial region by surgical means. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is required to treat many mouth diseases, injuries and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws and the hard and soft tissues of the oral and facial region. Oral surgery is commonly performed to remove wisdom teeth, prepare the mouth for dentures, repair jaw problems and perform root canals. It also involves more advanced procedures as required after trauma or severe disease damages the structures of the mouth.