Which dental specialty focuses on surgery involving oral and facial structures?

The dental specialty that specifically focuses on surgery involving oral and facial structures is oral and maxillofacial surgery. This specialty encompasses a wide range of surgical procedures, including the extraction of wisdom teeth, reconstructive surgery following trauma, treatment of jaw disorders, and the management of oral pathologies. It requires extensive training in both dental and medical fields, allowing practitioners to address complex conditions relating to the mouth, jaw, face, and neck.

In contrast, pediatric dentistry primarily deals with the oral health of children, focusing on preventive care and treatment of dental issues in younger patients. Orthodontics specializes in diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws, typically through the use of braces and other orthodontic devices. Periodontics is concerned with the treatment of gum disease and other conditions affecting supporting structures of the teeth, but it does not involve surgical procedures related to facial structures. Thus, oral and maxillofacial surgery stands out as the specialty dedicated to surgical interventions related to oral and facial anatomy.